YouTube/Dan Le Batard
Earlier today, ESPN President John Skipper unexpectedly announced that he is resigning from the biggest organization in all of sports media, citing a ‘substance abuse’ problem he has allegedly been grappling with for many years.
Skipper, who will walk away from a $5 million yearly salary, shocked not only the sports media industry at large, but his decision blindsided many who worked under him. Sports Illustrated‘s Richard Deitsch’s spoke with an ESPN staffer who revealed, “Nobody knows anything. There is a lot of reckless speculation out there.”
The 61-year-old has joined ESPN in 1997 as senior vice president and general manager of ESPN The Magazine, ESPN reports. He was named President of the network on Jan. 1, 2012. His resignation came just one month after his contract was renewed through 2021.
ESPN radio personality Dan Le Batard learned of his boss’s resignation while he was live on the air this morning, and was battling his emotions while delivering the news.
“This person has created everything that exists here at ESPN, for us,” said Le Batard. “And 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, okay.”
Le Batard was far from the only current/former ESPN employee to voice his praise for Skipper.
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
Saddened to read about Skipper. Praying for healing and peace for him and his family.
— Desmond Howard (@DesmondHoward) December 18, 2017
Sad and silence in our newsroom. Just wow!! Wishing Skipper nothing but the best. Love and light to you and yours Skipper. https://t.co/oK15ALn3BK
— Cari Champion (@CariChampion) December 18, 2017
2 years ago my dad died right before the NBA finals. He was my hero. My mom insisted he would want me to do my job. So I did. At game 1, John Skipper asked me "are we doing all we can for you?" That's the kind of man he is. I wish him the best as he conquers this challenge.
— stan verrett (@stanverrett) December 18, 2017
John Skipper is my friend and one of my heroes. I wish him and his family all the best.
— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) December 18, 2017
George Bodenheimer, ESPN’s president from 1998 to 2011 and its executive chairman until May 2014, will take over as the acting chairman of the company until a replacement is found.
[h/t Deadspin]