ESPN President John Skipper Resigns To Deal With Secret “Substance Addiction”

ESPN president John Skipper has stepped down from his positions as president of ESPN and co-chairman of the Disney Media Networks to focus on his longstanding battle with a “substance addiction.”

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According to reports, the 20-year ESPN vet, who has been running the organization since 2012, released a statement announcing his resignation, saying, “Today I have resigned from my duties as President of ESPN.”

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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 take care of my problem. I have disclosed that decision to the company, and we mutally agreed that it was appropriate that I resign. I will always appreciate the human understanding and warmth that Bob displayed here and always.”

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“I come to this public disclosure with embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down. As I deal with this issue and what it means to me and my family, I ask for appropriate privacy and a little understanding.”

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“To my colleagues at ESPN, it has been a privilege. I take great pride in your accomplishments and have complete confidence in your collective ability to continue ESPN’s success.”