Mike Brown, the owner of the Cincinnati Bengals, has a reputation for being the most frugal owner in the NFL. After recent comments from former Bengal Boomer Esiason, that perception isn’t likely to change.
On Friday, Esiason discussed a letter he received from his previous employer, the Boomer & Gio Show at WFAN in New York. The letter disclosed that the Bengals have been hosting games this season and invited some well-known alumni to celebrate new members of the team’s Ring of Honor.
However, Esiason pointed out that the organization isn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for past players.
“I’m not sure how to interpret this… Can you clarify what this invitation entails?” Esiason requested.
He read from the letter: “The Bengals organization honors our legendary community and cordially invites you and your guests to join Dave Raffam and Lemar Parrish during the Ring of Honor weekend in October, culminating when the Bengals take on the New York Jets on Sunday, October 26th. Please RSVP by Friday, August 22nd. You and your guests will also have the chance to purchase additional tickets, if needed.”
“If you are coming from out of town, we have secured a priority discounted block of rooms at the Renaissance Hotel in Cincinnati, so be sure to book directly for the best rates.”
This did not sit well with Esiason.
“If I decline this, will people think I’m being elitist?” he asked his co-host, Greg Giannotti.
“I mean, your name is in the stadium,” Giannotti responded. “And they sent this email out to a bunch of people. Do you know how many are in the Ring of Honor now? Eight?”
“I don’t mean to stir the pot, but it is unfortunate,” Esiason remarked.
Bengals have had their share of offseason holdouts, including the first overall pick, Chemer Stewart, which was resolved, but late in the offseason. Another ongoing issue involves Trey Hendrickson, a top defensive player.
These contract disputes only reinforced the notion that the Bengals are tight-fisted, much like the letters sent to Esiason.
Aside from the community-owned Packers, Mike Brown is considered the “poorest” owner in the NFL, with net assets totaling $925 million. So, it’s perhaps not surprising that he doesn’t cover all the expenses for former players.
