Boomer Esiason announced to his listeners Wednesday morning that his co-host has been arrested.
Craig Carton was nabbed by the FBI on charges he ripped off investors for millions in a concert-ticket scheme, leaving his WFAN other half to cover for him.
Throughout the show, Esiason took jabs at Carton for calling in sick. Toward the end of the morning-drive program, though, Esiason took a moment to tell his viewers what little he says he knows.
“By the way, just a little bit of an announcement,” Esiason said. “I am now aware of why Craig was not here this morning. Unfortunately he was arrested this morning. We here at the station, they’re aware of it as well. They’re cooperating with authorities. I’m taken aback and surprised by it just like I’m sure everyone else is.
“I have no other information. There’s nothing else I can say. I thought he called in sick this morning, but unfortunately my partner was arrested. I guess there’ll be more news to come from somewhere, but it won’t come from me because I don’t have any. It’s not easy.”
The show airs from 6 to 10 a.m., and the news started breaking shortly after 7. Esiason’s announcement came toward the end of the program.
“If you hear me starting the show, that means numb nuts is under the weather and he’s not here. And basically what will be the longest week,” Esiason said in one of his jabs to open the show.
According to the complaint filed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Carton “falsely claimed to investors that he — sometimes on his own and sometimes through [business partner Joseph] Meli — had access to millions of dollars’ worth of concert tickets at face value.”
“Boomer and Carton” has been a radio duo since 2007, the shock jock and former NFL quarterback teaming up as an odd couple.