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Despite revenue concerns and subscriptions losses, resulting in hundreds of layoffs the past couple of years, Skipper committed the network to billions of dollars in rights fees, entering into long-term agreements with Major League Baseball, the NBA, the WNBA, the College Football Playoff, the U.S. He has played a big role in growing ESPN into a brand much bigger than a simple cable network, and his fingerprints could be found on almost everything ESPN undertook. ESPN and other major media companies have scrambled to adapt as people increasingly consume media on their phones and online. Skipper was well-liked, particularly in the news-gathering division. Related: ESPN staffers shocked, saddened by John Skipper's resignation. He also called hundreds of ESPN's on-air talent to a summit last week at company headquarters in Bristol, Conn., to talk about the business. He told the group of industry experts that ESPN's growing digital audience is making up for the loss of television viewers. This year Skipper signed a contract extension through 2021 and last week spoke about the company's plans in New York at the Sports Video Group Summit. There was no public indication that this was coming. "I respect his candor and support his decision to focus on his health and his family," Iger said.

chief executive Robert Iger said he wishes Skipper well during a challenging time.

"As I deal with this issue and what it means to me and my family, I ask for appropriate privacy and a little understanding."ĮSPN said Skipper's predecessor, George Bodenheimer, will serve as acting head for the next 90 days.ĭisney Co. "I come to this public disclosure with embarrassment, trepidation and a feeling of having let others I care about down," he said.