ESPN president and Disney Media Networks co-chair John Skipper announced Monday that he is stepping down from his position as he seeks treatment for substance abuse.
Skipper, 61, said he has "struggled for many years with a substance addiction" and that he needs to "take care of (his) problem."
George Bodenheimer, ESPN's president from 1998-2011 and executive chairman until May 2014, will take over as the acting chairman until the company can find a new president.
Skipper has been with ESPN since 1997, when he became the senior vice president and general manager of ESPN The Magazine. He became the chairman in 2011, taking over for Bodenheimer.
Skipper's full statement:
"Today I have resigned from my duties as President of ESPN. I have had a wonderful career at the Walt Disney Company and am grateful for the many opportunities and friendships. I owe a debt to many, but most profoundly Michael Lynton, George Bodenheimer and Bob Iger.
"I have struggled for many years with a substance addiction. I have decided that the most important thing I can do right now is to take care of my problem.
"I have disclosed that decision to the company, and we mutually agreed that it was appropriate that I resign. I will always appreciate the human understanding and warmth that Bob displayed here and always.
"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."