Watch: ESPN’s Le Batard Tears Up on Air Upon Learning of John Skipper’s Resignation

ESPN President John Skipper resigned Monday, citing his substance abuse problems.

Dan Le Batard of ESPN Radio’s “Dan Le Batard Show” learned of Skipper’s resignation as his show was live Monday morning and the host broke down, saying he is “shocked” and “scared” for his close friend John Skipper.

“[I] want you to understand something — and I don’t know what’s coming. I haven’t talked to [Skipper] so I don’t know how he’s doing, and I care about him — but just so that you understand, this person has created everything that exists here at ESPN for us. And he did it because of how he cares about minorities and their causes. And so every success that we’ve had — I didn’t want to work for ESPN. I wanted to work for this man. And so, I’m just sort of shocked and hurt and scared. Not for anything material. Just scared because I want him to be OK. Because this is not gonna be a fun storm, whatever comes next after this,” Le Batard explained.

The show came back from commercial and a choked up Le Batard continued talking about his “vulnerability” after learning about Skipper’s resignation in real time and the “storm” that follows.

“I don’t know what comes next for him,” he added. “I don’t know what’s out there beyond this.”

Follow Trent Baker on Twitter @MagnifiTrent