ESPN President John Skipper stepped down Monday, citing a problem with a substance addiction.
Skipper, who had been with ESPN since 1997 and the company’s president since 2012, said he needed to get help.
“I have struggled for many years with a substance addiction,” Skipper said in a statement. “I have decided that the most important thing I can do right now is to take care of my problem. 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 [Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger] displayed here and always.
George Bodenheimer, ESPN’s president from 1994-2011, will replace Skipper for 90 days while Mr. Iger searches for a replacement.
Skipper’s resignation adds to a tumultuous year at ESPN, which has seen two rounds of layoffs amid declining ratings.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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