Per Ohio DNR, yes, a LES can have red margins on the tab.
http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/species-and-habitats/species-guide-index/fish/longear-sunfish

So I'd be interested on exactly why folks thinking a cross with RES.

And one I just caught w castnet, likely a breeding male, has the barest of white margins on the opercle. Aren't they just beauts?