Shannon Sharpe calls out Bengals for making Boomer Esiason pay for hotel & flights for Ring of Honor ceremony

The Bengals will officially induct two more players into the Ring of Honor in late October. And the invitations to other former athletes were forwarded this week, including ex-quarterback Boomer Esiason, who was not happy about the setup.

On the radio on Friday, he revealed the franchise had only sent him two tickets for the Bengals-Jets game on October 26, and the members had to take care of their expenses from their own pockets, including the flight tickets and hotel charges.

Not a great way to treat the legends, especially when they are already in the Ring of Honor. This news instantly went viral, with experts like Shannon Sharpe coming forward to share their opinions.

He raised the issue on his "NightCap" podcast, where he was accompanied by former Bengals star Chad Johnson. Sharpe mocked Johnson by saying that he had played for two organizations, the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos but none of the teams had shown such pettiness while greeting their former players.

“I played for two teams. I played for the Ravens, I played for the Broncos. Anytime they have an Alumni Weekend, they have somebody being honored, somebody's going into the ring of fame, somebody's getting their Hall of Fame ring.

"They will bring the alumni back, pay for them to come back, and put them up at no cost. They will have suits so the players can go in there and have a good time. But not the Bengals,” Sharpe said while taking a jab at Johnson (Timestamp - 1:00).

Chad Johnson defends Cincinnati Bengals’ gesture towards Boomer Esiason

Chad Johnson, who played 10 years for the Bengals, claimed that he never had a bad experience with the team. He also added that he had attended the events with Boomer Esiason in the past and was accommodated very well.

“We sit in the suits. I don't know what Boomer is talking about. I went into the Ring of Honor with Boomer, those that are part of the Ring of Honor. You sit in the suites and don't sit in the stand. As far as room and board goes. I'm not sure how that works. I always stay at the AC hotel,” Johnson said.

Sharpe countered Ocho, asking him whether he paid for the accommodation or was offered it by the team; the former WR refused to answer and dodged the question.

This October, offensive lineman Dave Lapham and defensive star Lemar Parrish will enter the Bengals’ Ring of Honor as the 11th and 12th inductees.