UNC Alum John Skipper Resigns as President of ESPN Citing Substance Addiction

UNC alumnus John Skipper resigned his position as president at cable-sports giant ESPN on Monday citing a substance addiction problem.

Skipper has been ESPN president since January 1, 2012, according to the network’s website.

“I have struggled for many years with a substance addiction,” Skipper said in a Monday release. “I have decided that the most important thing I can do right now is to take care of my problem.”

Former ESPN president and executive chairman George Bodenheimer will serve as acting chair of the network while overseeing the transition process over the next 90 days.

“I join John Skipper’s many friends and colleagues across the company in wishing him well during this challenging time,” said Bob Iger, chief executive of The Walt Disney Company, which owns ESPN. “I respect his candor and support his decision to focus on his health and his family.”

Skipper had worked at ESPN since 1997.

“I come to this public disclosure with embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down,” Skipper said. “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.”

Skipper earned his bachelor’s degree from UNC in English Literature.

Photo via ESPN

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