ESPN president John Skipper unexpectedly announced his resignation Monday morning, citing substance abuse. “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,” wrote Skipper.
JUST IN: ESPN President John Skipper has resigned: "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.” https://t.co/z8A84qKAjo pic.twitter.com/zXLbIyatxe
— ABC News (@ABC) December 18, 2017
“I join John Skipper’s many friends and colleagues across the company in wishing him well during this challenging time,” Disney CEO Bob 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,” Iger added.
Sports reporter and Outkick head Clay Travis wonders if there is more to Skipper’s resignation than meets the eye.
“This timing is very strange. ESPN just announced a multi-year extension for John Skipper last month. There are execs dropping like crazy for inappropriate behavior. Bigger story coming? I’d bet so,” tweeted Travis
This timing is very strange. ESPN just announced a multi-year extension for John Skipper last month. There are execs dropping like crazy for inappropriate behavior. Bigger story coming? I’d bet so.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) December 18, 2017
“By the way, if anyone ever accuses me of anything inappropriate, I want to take this opportunity to announce that I’m gay and have substance abuse issues. Hitting prehab right now, in fact,” Travis joked.
By the way, if anyone ever accuses me of anything inappropriate, I want to take this opportunity to announce that I'm gay and have substance abuse issues. Hitting prehab right now, in fact.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) December 18, 2017
Travis then asked if Skipper stepping down was the first step to freeing up a position at the network for James Murdoch, who is rumored to “be next in line to run Disney if federal antitrust regulators approve Disney’s purchase,” writes Newsweek.
So the Disney-Fox deal gets announced on Thursday and Skipper “resigns” on Monday. Could this be a quid pro quo opening up a job for the Murdoch son at ESPN?
So the Disney-Fox deal gets announced on Thursday and Skipper "resigns" on Monday. Could this be a quid pro quo opening up a job for the Murdoch son at ESPN?
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) December 18, 2017
“ESPN’s president “resigns” for “substance abuse issues” one month after signing a four year contract extension, five days after addressing all talent in Bristol, & four days after Disney/ESPN deal. So when does the real story come out?”
ESPN's president "resigns" for "substance abuse issues" one month after signing a four year contract extension, five days after addressing all talent in Bristol, & four days after Disney/ESPN deal. So when does the real story come out? https://t.co/nACaTuHE5v
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) December 18, 2017
ESPN has been facing major PR head winds as of late.
Per FOX News:
ESPN came under fire in August after they pulled an announcer from a college football game named Robert Lee because his name is similar to that of Confederate general Robert E. Lee. The network also faced heat after suspending Jemele Hill in October after she violated their social media guidelines twice for calling on Twitter for people to boycott advertisers over the NFL protests and for calling President Trump a “white supremacist.”
ESPN also cancelled “Barstool Van Talk” in October after one episode amid outcry over the Barstool’s brand’s commentary on women.
