ESPN President John Skipper Resigns Citing Substance Abuse Issues

ESPN president John Skipper announced his resignation from the company on Monday in a press release, citing a battle with substance addiction.

He wrote, in part: "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."

Per that press release, "George Bodenheimer (who worked at ESPN from 1981-2014) will serve as Acting Chair of the company for the next 90 days, overseeing the transition process."

"I join John Skipper’s many friends and colleagues across the company in wishing him well during this challenging time," Bob Iger, the chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company, said in his statement. "I respect his candor and support his decision to focus on his health and his family."

A number of current ESPN personalities tweeted their support of Skipper: 

Skipper, 61, became the president of ESPN in Jan. 2012. Last month, he signed a contract extension through 2021. 

According to Ahiza Garcia of CNN, a source said "Addiction doesn't follow neat and orderly lines," when asked about the timing of Skipper's resignation.

Layoffs and the handling of SportsCenter anchor Jemele Hill's criticisms of President Donald Trump have made for a difficult year for ESPN, while cord-cutting has seen the company's revenue growth slowed.