ESPN's John Skipper resigns

[The Big Ragu]

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.

It could have been the stress of the job that was making a substance abuse problem that much more difficult to deal with. He has had a trying job the last year or so. ESPN is bleeding subscribers, is under a ton of pressure from Disney, has had two rounds of layoffs which didn't sit well, a number of employee controversies and that Barstool Sports thing.

 

[LongTimeListener]

I'm willing to be wrong -- clearly, from my history! -- but it strikes me as quite naive to think this is anything other than a response to a brewing harassment or assault case.

 

[Alma]

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.”

Yeah, maybe. One of the struggles ESPN will have is so many other writers/reporters/editors are so openly liberal, especially on Twitter, that any movement toward objectivity is seen as "silencing" or "not progressing" or whatever it is. Deitsch leads the brigade in that regard. Least objective media reporter I've ever read.

 

[Alma]

LOL. Alma works for Clay Travis?

Political is one word, but I'd "cultural" in there, too.

 

[Songbird]

Coke? You never quit, you just try not to turn around again.

 

[exmediahack]

I think Buccigross is probably the happiest man in Bristol today.

 

[clintrichardson]

If the substance abuse situation is real—and it can be real even if he's getting out ahead of a coming storm—I wish John Skipper the best, as I would anyone who has a substance abuse problem and is getting help for it.

 

[HanSenSE]

He's 62. Even after getting the substance abuse monkey off his back, why deal with the WWL's woes?

 

[CD Boogie]

Yeah, maybe. One of the struggles ESPN will have is so many other writers/reporters/editors are so openly liberal, especially on Twitter, that any movement toward objectivity is seen as "silencing" or "not progressing" or whatever it is. Deitsch leads the brigade in that regard. Least objective media reporter I've ever read.

If you want to know which way the wind is blowing, just check his twitter feed. Always in lock step with the prevailing mood. Has smaller balls than a chipmunk

 

[tapintoamerica]

Hate to agree with Clay Travis, but he has a few interesting points here:
ESPN’s President "Resigns" For "Substance Abuse Issues"

1) Why do this on a Monday instead of this Friday, the absolutely perfect news dump day of the year?
2) Did the pushback on the Globe piece motivate victims to come forward?

I do hope Skipper gets the help he needs.

 

[YankeeFan]

Hate to agree with Clay Travis, but he has a few interesting points here:
ESPN’s President "Resigns" For "Substance Abuse Issues"

1) Why do this on a Monday instead of this Friday, the absolutely perfect news dump day of the year?

He obviously waited, assuming Trump was going to fire Mueller.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

And if it’s announced on news dump day, that just fuels the “he’s hiding something else!” crowd even more.

 

[YankeeFan]

Were talking points distributed?

 

[tapintoamerica]

Stay classy, Barstool.
Barstool's Top Talent Popped Champagne Celebrating John Skipper's Resignation From ESPN

 

[Vombatus]

Seen at a bar.

Report: ESPN's John Skipper Resigned Due to Sexual Harassment Issues, Not Substance Abuse - Breitbart

 

[TheSportsPredictor]

Hilary has Parkinson's because someone saw her trip on steps.

 

[YankeeFan]

Hilary has Parkinson's because someone saw her trip on steps.

Has to be dragged up a flight of stairs.

 

[Vombatus]

Hilary has Parkinson's because someone saw her trip on steps.

Emails!

But, let's keep this on topic. The other stuff belongs on that other thread. You know.

Sorry for the Breitbart reference, but I didn't find anyone else who had the story. Everyone should broaden their horizons and read Breitbart sometimes. Hell, I read the Post and NYT.

 

[PCLoadLetter]

Emails!

But, let's keep this on topic. The other stuff belongs on that other thread. You know.

Sorry for the Breitbart reference, but I didn't find anyone else who had the story. Everyone should broaden their horizons and read Breitbart sometimes. Hell, I read the Post and NYT.

How about Stormfront? Should we broaden our horizons and read that too?

**** Breitbart.

 

[RickStain]

Emails!

But, let's keep this on topic. The other stuff belongs on that other thread. You know.

Sorry for the Breitbart reference, but I didn't find anyone else who had the story. Everyone should broaden their horizons and read Breitbart sometimes. Hell, I read the Post and NYT.

The fact that you would even try to make that analogy can go down as exhibit A of how fascism gains a foothold in places that think they are immune to it.