Report: ESPN president quit after cocaine extortion plot

ESPN's Former President Resigned Due to Cocaine Extortion Plot. Las Vegas Review-Journal

In this Oct. 6, 2014, file photo, ESPN President John Skipper smiles during a news conference in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

In this July 21, 2016 file photo, ESPN president John Skipper gestures as he talks about the new ACC/ESPN Network during a news conference at the Atlantic Coast Conference Football Kickoff in Charlotte, N.C. Skipper says he is resigning to take care of a substance abuse problem. The sports network says its former president, George Bodenheimer, will take over as acting head of the company for the next 90 days. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)

More Stories

Las Vegas Aces fans get autographs signed by Aces star forward A'ja Wilson after Game 2 of a WN ...

Fans new and old alike snap up tickets for Aces games

Sports on TV in Las Vegas

Durango celebrates after Jaylen Bosque (26) scored during a Class 4A high school state playoff ...

Playoff roundup: Durango baseball on cusp of 4A title game — PHOTOS

Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold is interviewed after an NFL rookie football practice, F ...

Hill: Did Raiders really flip a coin to decide 1st-round pick?

The Associated Press

March 15, 2018 - 11:05 am

LOS ANGELES — The former president of ESPN says he resigned from the sports network after an extortion plot by his cocaine dealer.

John Skipper told the Hollywood Reporter on Thursday, “they threatened me.” Skipper says he understood the threat put himself, his family and his professional life at risk.

He says he discussed the situation with Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger on Dec. 15, 2017, and they agreed Skipper “had placed the company in an untenable position.” He resigned on Dec. 18 after leading ESPN since 2012, citing “a substance addiction.”

John Skipper opens up about his resignation from ESPN: "In December, someone from whom I bought cocaine attempted to extort me" https://t.co/do210Os0s9

— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 15, 2018

Skipper says he used drugs recreationally and that it never impacted his work at ESPN.

He says he has undergone treatment for his substance use and hopes to re-enter sports media as a consultant.

Fans new and old alike snap up tickets for Aces games

By Callie Lawson-Freeman / RJ

May 12, 2024 - 7:00 am

The WNBA is experiencing a period of exponential growth, and the Aces are the hottest ticket in the league. Some fans have had to be diligent to acquire their seats.

Sports on TV in Las Vegas

May 11, 2024 - 11:00 pm

Here’s today’s local and national sports schedule, including television and radio listings.

Playoff roundup: Durango baseball on cusp of 4A title game — PHOTOS

By Jeff Wollard / RJ

May 11, 2024 - 6:53 pm

The Durango baseball team edged Sierra Vista and will play in the winners’ bracket of the Class 4A state tournament. Check out all of Saturday’s playoff action.

Hill: Did Raiders really flip a coin to decide 1st-round pick?

By Adam Hill / RJ

May 11, 2024 - 5:19 pm

A draft pick’s claim that he missed out on going to the Raiders because of a coin toss has drawn far more attention than it ever needed — unless it’s true.

A'ja Wilson laughs on the bench during the Aces' game against the Puerto Rico national team on ...

‘A really big day’: Aces romp in preseason game at Wilson’s alma mater

By Callie Lawson-Freeman / RJ

May 11, 2024 - 4:34 pm

A’ja Wilson had 27 points, and the Aces routed the Puerto Rico national team in a preseason game Saturday at South Carolina, where Wilson starred in college.

Golden Knights left wing William Carrier (28) battles near the net against Dallas Stars defense ...

Where do the Knights stand with their 6 unrestricted free agents?

By Danny Webster / RJ

May 11, 2024 - 3:32 pm

The Golden Knights have six unrestricted free agents to tend to before the market opens July 1. Here’s a look at where the Knights stand with each of them.

Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers (89) throws the ball during rookies first day of practice ...

Graney: Brock Bowers won’t be outworked by his Raiders teammates

By Ed Graney / RJ

May 11, 2024 - 2:04 pm

The No. 13 pick overall in this year’s draft, tight end Brock Bowers has an unreal work ethic that dates to his time at the University of Georgia.

Aces forward A'ja Wilson wears a sweatshirt confirming her signature shoe deal with Nike. (Nike)

Aces star announces breakthrough Nike shoe deal — EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

By Callie Lawson-Freeman / RJ

May 11, 2024 - 1:54 pm

Two-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson has fielded questions about why she doesn’t have a signature shoe deal with Nike like some other players. Now she has an answer.

Coronado players celebrate as fans in the stands cheer them on during a Class 5A high school bo ...

Playoff roundup: Gorman, Basic volleyball reach 4A state title game

By Jeff Wollard / RJ

May 10, 2024 - 10:09 pm

Bishop Gorman and Basic will play for the Class 4A boys volleyball state title. Check out the roundup and scores from Friday’s high school playoff action.

Las Vegas Aces center Kiah Stokes and guard Chelsea Gray, both injured in Game 3, goof off whil ...

Aces standouts detail road to recovery from foot injuries

By Callie Lawson-Freeman / RJ

May 10, 2024 - 7:43 pm

Aces point guard Chelsea Gray and center Kiah Stokes didn’t play in last year’s title-clinching Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, but they are close to returning this season.