The sports media world experienced an earthquake Monday when ESPN boss John Skipper suddenly resigned to deal with a substance addiction problem.
Skipper, who has served as ESPN's president since Jan. 1, 2012, had recently signed a multi-year contract extension. Former ESPN boss George Bodenheimer will take over as acting chairman over the next 90 days to help Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of ESPN parent Disney, find Skipper's replacement.
In a statement, Skipper said:
"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. 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. 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."
Iger saluted the decision by Skipper, who joined ESPN in 1997.
"I join John Skipper's many friends and colleagues across the company in wishing him well during this challenging time," Iger said in a statement. "I respect his candor and support his decision to focus on his health and his family. With his departure, George Bodenheimer has agreed to serve as Acting Chair of ESPN for the next 90 days to provide interim leadership, help me identify and secure John's successor, and ensure a smooth transition. I am grateful for George's support and look forward to working with him again in this temporary role."
Bodenheimer said in a statement:
“I have great respect for John’s leadership, and I applaud the courage he's demonstrating by addressing his challenge head on. The most important thing right now for John and his family is that he conquers his addiction, and the entire ESPN family is behind him.
“I've stayed in close contact with John, and I believe in the direction he's taking ESPN. He's assembled an outstanding leadership team — many of whom I know very well — and I am extremely confident we will work together effectively to move ESPN forward during this transition.”
