Boomer Esiason’s Reaction Highlights Bengals’ ‘Cheap’ Frugal Ring of Honor Invite

The Bengals asked Boomer Esiason to book his own hotel room for Ring of Honor induction ceremony.

Boomer Esiason’s Reaction Highlights Bengals’ ‘Cheap’ Frugal Ring of Honor Invite

Boomer Esiason (Image via IMAGO)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Cincinnati Bengals fans already had grievances about owner Mike Brown and general manager Duke Tobin mishandling player contracts. Former quarterback Boomer Esiason revealed that the mishandling isn’t limited to current players.

Esiason was drafted in the second round by the Bengals in 1984. He went on to start for the Cincinnati-based team for nine seasons, becoming a Pro Bowler 4 times and the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1988.

The Bengals honored Boomer Esiason by inducting the 64-year-old into the organization’s Ring of Honor in 2023. Even after retiring from football, Esiason’s love for the Bengals remains unchanged. So, the recent email from the Bengals left a deep ache in his heart.

The mail contained information about the next ROH inductees—former players Dave Lapham and Lemar Parrish on Sunday, October 26. Esiason’s co-host Gregg Giannotti said on the WFAN Radio show on Friday:

You and a guest can receive two complimentary tickets with an opportunity to purchase an additional one, if you wish.

The club also arranged rooms for guests at the Renaissance Hotel. However, there was a catch. Giannotti added:

Rooms are limited, so please book directly for the early and the best rate. We look forward to hosting you in the Jungle for an unforgettable weekend. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me or another guy on the staff.

Giannotti was appalled by the “rooms are limited… book directly” condition. Esiason is among the best players to wear the Bengals jersey, and they can’t afford to book rooms? Esiason kept quiet during Giannotti’s rant. He confirmed receiving an email from the Bengals but claimed that he doesn’t know how to respond to it.

I’m just saying, if I don’t go, there’s a reason why. Maybe it’s just my elitist attitude toward things; I’m not sure.

He remembered that the Bengals play the New York Jets after the ROH ceremony. So, he had a shrewd idea of taking advantage of the Big Apple’s hospitality. He joked:

Maybe I could fly out with the Jets, fly back with the Jets… Maybe Aaron Glenn would let me tag along

Boomer Esiason is the latest to be mistreated by the Bengals

Esiason experienced the highs and lows of an athlete’s life. One aspect of that life is negotiating a contract.

Boomer Esiason’s Reaction Highlights Bengals’ ‘Cheap’ Frugal Ring of Honor Invite
Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown (Image via IMAGO)

A lot has changed since the 80s, but some things have remained the same. Owners and GMs playing hardball with players’ contracts was a hindrance back in the day; it continues to create problems in the present era as well.

Pass rusher Trey Hendrickson’s holdout is a prominent example of owners being cheapskates. Hendrickson wants to be paid in accordance with his performances in the last three seasons (43 combined sacks).

However, Mike Brown and Duke Tobin are not close to agreeing on a new deal. If the status quo doesn’t change in the next couple of weeks, then Hendrickson might sit out the entire year and enter free agency in 2026. This will significantly damage the Bengals’ 29th-ranked defense, as per PFF.

The regular season is just around the corner, but before that, the AFC North side welcomes the Indianapolis Colts to the jungle for the final preseason game.

Also Read: