ESPN's John Skipper resigns

[Moderator1]

cites a substance abuse issue he needs to address.

Cosmo noted this on the ESPN thread, I thought it was big enough to stand alone

ESPN President John Skipper Resigns citing substance abuse issues

 

[QYFW]

Wow. That's huge in our little corner of the world. Has Simmons tweeted about it?

 

[LongTimeListener]

Substance abuse issue that is related to complaints from female employees?

 

[Alma]

Well, prayers and blessings for that. The man owes it to himself to spend the last years of his life outside the grip of drugs/alcohol, presuming (and it pains me to write this) that's all this is about.

ESPN has lost its way as a company. Completely and totally. While pockets of it remain excellent - the magazine continues to do great work, Outside The Lines - the network sorely needs to have a long, deep conversation about what it is, and whether Disney has unduly influenced the political bent of the network in ways that are unhelpful to sports coverage.

 

[YankeeFan]

Hate to say it, but given recent events, you have to wonder if the substance abuse he’s admitting to will be the excuse given for other infractions.

 

[LongTimeListener]

LOL. Alma works for Clay Travis?

 

[YankeeFan]

Substance abuse issue that is related to complaints from female employees?

Damn it!

 

[cranberry]

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

 

[Tarheel316]

Hate to say it, but given recent events, you have to wonder if the substance abuse he’s admitting to will be the excuse given for other infractions.

Yes, unfortunately, you do have to wonder.

 

[tapintoamerica]

Hate to say it, but given recent events, you have to wonder if the substance abuse he’s admitting to will be the excuse given for other infractions.

Yep. I also wonder if this is at all related to the Fox acquisition.

 

[YankeeFan]

Every corporation like Disney has procedures for admitting to addiction problems, and seeking help for them, that do not require resignation.

I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t complete a comprehensive in treatment program, and come back to his job, if that’s all there was, and that’s what he wanted to do.

Unless he feels like getting away from ESPN would be required for his future sobriety, which would indicate an environment far more toxic than we’ve imagined.

 

[LanceyHoward]

Every corporation like Disney has procedures for admitting to addiction problems, and seeking help for them, that do not require resignation.

I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t complete a comprehensive in treatment program, and come back to his job, if that’s all there was, and that’s what he wanted to do.

Unless he feels like getting away from ESPN would be required for his future sobriety, which would indicate an environment far more toxic than we’ve imagined.

Lets assume his problem is substance abuse. He has been head of ESPN for six years and probably gone as far as he thought he would. He appears to be married and have three kids. He should have money to retire. He could rationally decide that beating substance abuse is a ***** and that he does not need the stress of the ESPN job as he tries to beat the demons. May God be with him.

 

[YankeeFan]

Lets assume his problem is substance abuse. He has been head of ESPN for six yars and probably gone as far as he thought he would. He appears to be married and have three kids. He should have money to retire. He could rationally decide that beating substance abuse is a ***** and that he does not need the stress of the ESPN job as he tries to beat the demons. May God be with him.

I mean, it’s possible.

Just for insurance reasons alone, it would make sense to complete the program, and then resign.

Look, I hope it’s what you say, but I’m not going to be surprised if there’s more to this.

 

[LongTimeListener]

Didn't Spacey cite substance abuse and go the treatment route?

 

[YankeeFan]

Didn't Spacey cite substance abuse and go the treatment route?

That, and he played the gay card.

 

[LanceyHoward]

I mean, it’s possible.

Just for insurance reasons alone, it would make sense to complete the program, and then resign.

Look, I hope it’s what you say, but I’m not going to be surprised if there’s more to this.

Anything is possible.

But I suspect that Skipper can pay for his treatment and health insurance. And one way or another right now that is the least of Skipper's concerns.

 

[JC]

Substance abuse issue that is related to complaints from female employees?

Snorting rails off the secretary's ass is harassment now?

 

[LanceyHoward]

Didn't Spacey cite substance abuse and go the treatment route?

I am not suer. I thought Spacey is basically in hiding somewhere. Has he gone to rehab?

 

[YankeeFan]

Anything is possible.

But I suspect that Skipper can pay for his treatment and health insurance. And one way or another right now that is the least of Skipper's concerns.

Yeah. And, I’m not trying to argue with you.

But very few people — even when they have money — like to pay for things they could get for free.

A nice, good rehab facility is expensive, and so is COBRA.

 

[playthrough]

Well, prayers and blessings for that. The man owes it to himself to spend the last years of his life outside the grip of drugs/alcohol, presuming (and it pains me to write this) that's all this is about.

ESPN has lost its way as a company. Completely and totally. While pockets of it remain excellent - the magazine continues to do great work, Outside The Lines - the network sorely needs to have a long, deep conversation about what it is, and whether Disney has unduly influenced the political bent of the network in ways that are unhelpful to sports coverage.

Maybe they started to have that conversation last week? Interesting note from Deitsch in his media column:

ESPN management is requiring all of its editorial talent, from people who appear on-air to those who write for the company’s many outlets, to attend a two-hour presentation at the company’s Bristol headquarters on Dec. 13. The topics at the presentation will include the company’s current priorities, the recent changes to the social media policy and how political and social issues should be handled by editorial staffers and upcoming initiatives. Clearly, the timing is intentional with the layoffs as well as an endless cycle of negative news. The company told staffers that all employees are required to attend the presentation in-person (not an insignificant expense given ESPN has people based all over the country) and if talent cannot attend the meeting due to a work conflict, they must work with their supervisor to confirm the legitimacy of the excuse. Said one ESPN staffer: “I imagine it will be like Dorothy walking outside after the twister to see what’s still standing.”