Sam Mayes is out at 107.7 The Franchise in Oklahoma City. Audio of a conversation between himself and a co-worker making racist remarks about Native Americans was sent to members of the Oklahoma media anonymously.
The audio, which has been obtained by Barrett Sports Media, is accompanied by a note that claims it was a “hot mic” situation.
Mayes issued an audio statement on Twitter and says that is not true. He says it was a private conversation between himself and Cara Rice in 2016 that was not on air. Rice was hosting the morning show at sister station Magic 104.1 before being let go herself.
In the original recording, Mayes can be heard asking why “the natives” are only now interested in the Washington Redskins changing their name.
“The question was not asked in a derogatory manner. I was legitimately curious what sparked the desire for change,” Mayes said in his statement.
Rice responds by saying that “they’ve been too drunk to organize.” Mayes then follows that up by saying “hashtag Lysol” to which Rice responds “hashtag gold spray paint”. Both items are huffed by junkies to achieve a cheap high.
In his statement, Mayes calls Rice’s comments “distasteful” and “racially charged”. He acknowledges that he made light of them and joined in the conversation, but then says that they made him “uncomfortable” and he attempted to end the conversation.
Mayes said that he has struggled in the past to speak up against racism in the workplace. He was worried about it impeding his ability to “fit in.”
“This recording is the perfect example of that all too often scenario that was sent to local media outlets with the intent to destroy my career,” he says in the audio statement. “Maybe it worked. In the end, that is up to you, my followers.”
The note accompanying the original audio notes that The Lucky Star Casino is the naming rights sponsor of the Franchise’s studio. The casino is owned by the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Tribes. The note also includes information to contact Tyler Media management.
Tyler Media fired Mayes shortly after the audio was made public. Mayes says he is “heartbroken” that he didn’t get the chance to address the comments, make amends, or be a part of any healing or training sessions.
“As a person of color,” he noted, “I know all too well how damaging hate speech can be. I also know once we know better, we can do better.”
