Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason has publicly criticized the team for requiring past players to cover their own travel and lodging for this year’s Ring of Honor ceremony, scheduled for Oct. 26 when Cincinnati hosts the New York Jets. Esiason, inducted in 2023, read the club’s invitation on his WFAN radio show, noting it offered just two complimentary game tickets and access to a discounted hotel block, with all other expenses left to the invitees. While praising Bengals fans, the 1988 NFL MVP said the arrangement makes him reconsider attending the event, which will honor longtime Bengal Dave Lapham and former cornerback Lemar Parrish. Esiason quipped that he might travel instead with the visiting Jets, the team he joined late in his playing career, to avoid the costs. The flap revives criticism of the Brown family’s frugal stewardship of the franchise and comes as the club faces a separate contract impasse with sack leader Trey Hendrickson. Bengals officials have not commented on Esiason’s remarks.