When ESPN head John Skipper suddenly resigned in December, it left many people with many questions. SKipper had just given a pep talk at ESPN which laid out the future for the organization after a tumultious year. Many wondered why he would suddenly depart after revealing his vision of the future just days before. While he cited a substance abuse problem, some asked if that was masking another reason. Were there sexual abuse allegations? Was Bob Iger wanting to make a leadership change and install his “buddy” Jimmy Pitaro?
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter’s James Andrew Miller, Skipper detailed the course of events that lead to his resignation. Skipper described himself as an “old hippie” and an “old New Yorker from the ’80s” which led to him viewing recreational drug as being able to be used without repercussions. In short, Skipper said he occassionaly used cocaine.
Skipper said that the use never affected his work other than a missed plane and a few canceled morning appointments. And while he used for decades, he was never caught.
And while Skipper felts his was careful with his dealings regarding cocaine, after many years he made a misstep. In December, someone from whom Skipper bought cocaine attempted to extort him.
Realizing the risk, Skipper disclosed the situation to his family and to Disney CEO Bob Iger on Friday, just two days after his pep talk. Within his conversation with Bob Iger, Skipper says it became clear that he needed to resign. For the next 48 hours Skipper says he didn’t eat and was filled with regret and tension. On Monday, his release came out. Skipper was disappointed at letting his team down and that many found out through a press release. He also regrets that he left ESPN before his planned transformation took place.
This interview sheds more light into why the resignation happened and why it happened so suddenly. Regarding his successor Jimmy Pitaro, Skipper had this to say: “he good news is that Jimmy Pitaro is a good guy; I like Jimmy very much. He’s a good, smart executive. His style will work at ESPN. I wish him well, and (laughs) I hope he does better than the last guy!”