John Skipper steps down as ESPN president

John Skipper has stepped down as president of ESPN to seek help for a substance addiction problem that he said he’s struggled with for many years. “I have decided that the most important thing I can do right now is to take care of my problem,” said Skipper, adding that his public disclosure comes with “embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down.”

After Skipper disclosed his decision to ESPN, the two sides mutually agreed that it was appropriate that he resign. Former ESPN President and Executive Chairman George Bodenheimer (who was with the company from 1981-2014) will serve as acting chairman for the next 90 days and oversee the transition process.

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