ESPN President John Skipper resigns, citing substance abuse issue
John Skipper said in a statement that he'd battled with the problem for years.
— -- The president of ESPN is stepping down from his post.
In a news release today, ESPN said that John Skipper would be resigning, "citing a substance addiction problem."
Skipper said in a statement: "I have had a wonderful career at The Walt Disney Company and am grateful for the many opportunities and friendships. I owe a debt to many, but most profoundly Michael Lynton, George Bodenheimer and Bob Iger."
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"I have struggled for many years with a substance addiction. I have decided that the most important thing I can do right now is to take care of my problem," the statement read.
Skipper has been head of the company since 2012.
"I have disclosed that decision to the company, and we mutually agreed that it was appropriate that I resign. I will always appreciate the human understanding and warmth that Bob displayed here and always. I come to this public disclosure with embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down."
Skipper gave no details of a specific problem.
ESPN said George Bodenheimer, an executive chairman and former ESPN president, would be serving as acting chair.
ESPN and ABC News are owned by the Walt Disney Company.