ESPN President, John Skipper, who is widely seen as one of the most powerful person in both the media and sport worlds resigned on Monday, citing a substance addiction.
“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.”
He continued, “I come to this public disclosure with embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down.”
The resignation takes effect immediately. In a farewell email to staffers, Skipper said, “It has been my absolute privilege to serve as president of ESPN.”
He managed ESPN’s hugely profitable portfolio at a time of tremendous stress on the cable business.
