From a statement quoted by ESPN:

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 [Iger, Disney’s C.E.O.] displayed here and always.

Who he is: Mr. Skipper, who took over ESPN five years ago, assumed control of the sports network back when it was one of the most formidable media properties on the planet, able to command high carriage fees from pay-TV providers given its popularity.

But as cable TV providers lose customers to streaming services, ESPN has become more of a millstone around the neck of its corporate parent, shedding subscribers amid the rise of internet-based sports outlets. That has forced ESPN to resort to layoffs.

The context: Mr. Skipper is stepping down days after Disney announced a deal to buy most of 21st Century Fox. Among the assets that would be included in the transaction are Fox’s 22 regional sports networks, which could be combined with ESPN to shore up Disney’s sports video holdings.

Who could succeed Mr. Skipper? ESPN said George Bodenheimer, a former ESPN president who has also served as its executive chairman, would serve as its acting chairman for 90 days. The company will then presumably name a permanent president. The New York Times reports:

“There is no obvious successor for Skipper, who has overseen multiple executive shake-ups over the last year. Top executives inside the company include Connor Schell, head of content; Justin Connolly, head of sales and marketing; Russell Wolff, head of ESPN International; and Burke Magnus, head of programming.”

According to Bloomberg, Mr. Schell and Mr. Justin Connolly “are likely internal candidates as is acting chairman George Bodenheimer.”

— Michael J. de la Merced