ESPN, which has seen as many major shakeups and layoffs as any major media company this year, announced even more stunning news on Monday morning when president John Skipper resigned, effective immediately.
Skipper, who has been president of ESPN since 2012 and recently signed an extension through 2021, cited an ongoing battle with substance abuse as the reason he would be stepping down immediately in what came as a shock to most everyone in the industry, inside and outside ESPN’s walls. Skipper is highly regarded among those at ESPN, even after so many different rounds of layoffs at the company, and there were many that had emotional reactions to his resignation.
A number of current and former ESPN employees took to Twitter to send their support to Skipper as he battles his issues with substance addiction and tries to better himself. The overwhelming sentiment from those that worked for Skipper was that he was a fantastic boss and, in something that’s often rare for someone in such a position, incredibly approachable for those at the company. TV personalities, writers, editors, and producers all offered up their best wishes to Skipper, along with an occasional personal anecdote about their relationship with their now former boss at ESPN.
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
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
John Skipper's commitment to diversity & inclusion at ESPN has been not only inspiring, but comforting to those of us who want to believe things are headed in the right direction. Deeply saddened to hear of his resignation.
— Sarah Spain (@SarahSpain) December 18, 2017
🙌🏿 We wouldn't be here without John Skipper.
Our thoughts, support and a piece of our hearts are with him.— Andscape (@andscape) December 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/DesmondHoward/status/942800497634930688
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
So saddened to hear of John Skipper's resignation. He has been wonderful to me. All the best to you John in getting healthy
— Jeannine Edwards (@jeanninee12) 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
https://twitter.com/ReillyRick/status/942795762940895237
John Skipper will go down as one of the leading figures in elevating soccer in the US. Proud to have worked under him & wishing him the best in his recovery.
— Rob Stone (@RobStoneONFOX) December 18, 2017
When an NFL owner, who shall remain nameless, called to complain about a story, John Skipper had my back. He will be missed. Wish him well. https://t.co/SmybF6ERAH
— John Barr (@JohnBarrESPN) December 18, 2017
Truly grateful to have worked under John Skipper, even if for a short time. Inspired by his courage to face this struggle.
— Kavitha A. Davidson (@kavithadavidson) December 18, 2017
Nothing but respect for John Skipper. Sending love and prayers to the Skipper family. xoxoxo https://t.co/1qBwE3NAAy
— KelleyLCarter (@KelleyLCarter) December 18, 2017
I haven't been at @espn as long as so many others, but John Skipper made me feel incredibly welcome and made me feel as though my work was important and valued. I am thinking of him and his family today. https://t.co/2NA3l3V2Fc
— Sam Borden (@SamBorden) December 18, 2017
I'm just a pod producer. I met Skipper at a V Foundation reception. Told him my name ONCE. EVERY SINGLE TIME we crossed paths thereafter he gave me a "Hey Terrika!" Not too often the boss recognizes the little guy. I truly hope he gets the help he needs. https://t.co/zBMDbkfKBU
— Terrika (@SheKnowsSports) December 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/charlie_hulme/status/942793239844802560
Stunned at the resignation (and reason) of @espn president John Skipper. Whatever you think of the network, as a colleague, John was always accessible, kind and a leadership cared about his people. I wish he and his family nothing but the best in his recovery.
— Keith Reed (@K_dot_RE) December 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/andrewflowers/status/942794225275621378
