John Skipper, ESPN president, co-chairman of Disney Media Networks and the man perhaps most responsible for the way the network looks today, announced his resignation on Monday, citing a need to deal with “substance addiction.” Though Skipper has at times been a controversial leader due to his management style, and the network’s diminishing ratings and revenues and his emphasis on privileging on-air debate that arguably came at the cost of coverage have been problematic, the move left many — including his employees — shocked and surprised.
Skipper, who has been attached to the media giant in one way or another for 20 years, wrote in a statement Monday, “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.” He continued, “I have disclosed that decision to the company, and we mutually agreed that it was appropriate that I resign.”
“I come to this public disclosure with embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down,” he wrote. “As I deal with this issue and what it means to me and my family, I ask for appropriate privacy and a little understanding.”
Skipper had recently signed a three-year contract extension with the network. Former president George Bodenheimer will serve as temporary acting co-chairman until a replacement is found.
Hard driving and sometimes mercurial, Skipper rose through the ranks of the network to become executive vice president of content in 2005 and president of ESPN Inc. and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks in 2012. During that time, he helped to refashion the property that legitimately called itself “The Worldwide Leader in Sports” into a place for sometimes extreme on-air personalities — Skip Bayless included — and constant debate and talk more similar to a sports-radio broadcaster than a news source.
Initially, the public response was a large spike in viewership, though recent years have seen broad ratings failures and various associated controversies. Massive layoffs and talent defections have followed.
One example of his stewardship was the successful promotion of ESPN’s ownership of “Monday Night Football,” which began airing on the network in 2005. Given that there are questions as to whether “Monday Night Football” will remain on ESPN, it is also an example of the network’s current difficulties.
While a trying boss at times, he was also beloved by many of his staff, something best demonstrated by the many tributes given to him on social media an elsewhere by some of the network’s past and present stars.
This is devastating news about John Skipper. I enjoyed working with him as much as anybody I’ve ever known and our friendship has continued. He’s been innovative and broadminded and I’m literally shaking learning he was in such place. I pray he gets the help and healing he needs.
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) December 18, 2017
I wish my boss the best in his battle / always treated me fairly/ most important situation is for him to get back mentally strong & get the care needed to solve his his prob . @espn @jksports https://t.co/rqR0wPPoRn
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) December 18, 2017
John Skipper is one of the finest people I’ve ever worked for. He’s been incredibly supportive throughout my career at ESPN. This isn’t company-speak. I seriously cannot express how much respect I have for him.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) December 18, 2017
My thoughts and heart are with John Skipper at this moment-who I owe so much to & who I left every personal encounter with in admiration- & all those struggling with addiction. Imagine the courage it takes for anyone to face it, especially so publicly. And this is where we…
— Tony Reali (@TonyReali) December 18, 2017
This @stanverrett tweet is a good example of the best way I could describe John Skipper as a boss: he cared https://t.co/jQOGooCGSZ
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) December 18, 2017
Shocked and saddened to lose our leader who always made time for me and made sure my voice was heard. A man I truly respect and admire in this industry and as a person. Always enjoyed talking hoops. My best to John and his family as they navigate this difficult time. https://t.co/SRfcEEFV1X
— Lisa Kerney (@LisaKerney) December 18, 2017
Host Dan Le Batard said on his morning show that Skipper “created everything that exists here at ESPN, for us,” adding that, “he did it because of how he cares about minorities and their causes. And so every success that we’ve had — I didn’t want to work for ESPN, I wanted to work for this man.”
Other past and current ESPN stars — Erin Andrews, Chris Berman, Dan Patrick, Michael Wilbon, Tony Kornheiser, Michelle Beadle and Bill Simmons among them — have yet to comment, though it’s easy to presume that some of them will do so in upcoming broadcasts of their own shows. Given that others above had sometimes famously combative relationships with Skipper that led to them leaving ESPN, it’s also easy to presume that some of them will not.
