ESPN President John Skipper has stepped down from the network in order to deal with an ongoing substance abuse problem.
Skipper's Monday resignation ends a 20-year ESPN career, including 5 years as president, CNBC reports. He started at the Walt Disney Company-owned network in 1997 as a senior vice president and general manager of ESPN The Magazine.
Skipper released a statement regarding his resignation:
Today I have resigned from my duties as President of ESPN. I have had a wonderful career at the Walt Disney Company and am grateful for the many opportunities and friendships. I owe a debt to many, but most profoundly Michael Lynton, George Bodenheimer and Bob Iger.
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.
George Bodenheimer, ESPN's former president and executive chairman, will temporarily run the network while a permanent replacement is sought.
Skipper's announcement comes amidst turbulent times for the Disney subsidiary. ESPN has come under fire recently for substantial amounts of politics in its coverage of sports, and has made massive layoffs in the wake of poor ratings.