ESPN President, and co-chairman of the Disney Media Networks, John Skipper has announced his resignation, effective immediately.
In a statement released on ESPN, Skipper says, "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."
George Bodenheimer, ESPN's president from 1998-2011 and its executive chairman until May 2014, will reportedly take over as the acting chairman of ESPN for the next 90 days to help Disney chairman and chief executive officer Bob Iger find Skipper's replacement.
Skipper's resignation announcement includes the following,
"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.
"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."
According to ESPN, John Skipper, 61, joined ESPN in 1997 as senior vice president and general manager of ESPN The Magazine, and has held the position of President since the start of 2012.
