ESPN’s John Skipper Resigns Over Cocaine Addiction

ESPN’s John Skipper resigned over cocaine addiction. (Photo credit: CNN.com)

Former ESPN President John Skipper has revealed the reason why he left his post, the former president resigned from his role because of a cocaine extortion plot, according to comments he made in an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

In the interview, John spoke on how he used cocaine and also how he was been careful of the use. However, a lapse of judgment led to Skipper’s decision to buy cocaine from a new source, which had big consequences.

“They threatened me, and I understood immediately that threat put me and my family at risk, and this exposure would put my professional life at risk as well,” Skipper said. “I foreclosed that possibility by disclosing the details to my family, and then when I discussed it with Bob, he and I agreed that I had placed the company in an untenable position and as a result, I should resign.”

During the interview, Skipper was asked if he had been involved in any sexual assault or assault could ever arise. The timing of his resignation, during the height of the MeToo movement, led some to speculate that his departure might have been the result of sexual misconduct.

The former president of ESPN took time out to denie the statement that he resigned because of any sexual misconduct case. Skipper expressed deep regret at having to resign but said he realized there was no other option.

He said he never used drugs at work nor allowed his use to affect his job. However, he conceded that “it was inappropriate for the president of ESPN and an officer of The Walt Disney Co. to be associated in any way with any of this.“