March 28, 2024
Local News

Rayjus cuts ties with former co-owner, cites principles of diversity and inclusion

Ray Odom was placed on indefinite leave Tuesday after 'The Profit' episode aired

MORRIS — Morris outdoor apparel company, Rayjus Outdoors, severed ties with one of its co-owners Friday after he had been placed on an indefinite leave.

Ray Odom appeared in an episode of CNBC’s “The Profit” and admitted to playing a “racist, sexist” persona on 100.7 WRXQ-FM Coal City. Alpha Media, radio station owners, fired him from that job earlier in the day Tuesday.

In the episode, host and Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis walks out on Rayjus without offering the company a deal after hearing Odom admit to his prejudiced radio act.

"Our company was founded on principles of diversity and inclusion and this will continue to be a top priority for us," Rayjus Company President Justin Romines said in a news release Friday.

The company had previously posted a statement to its Facebook page, announcing Odom was taking a leave of absence to spend time with his family and reflect.

The release stated a verbal agreement between the former co-owners existed, and the two were working toward a more formal agreement with the help of their attorneys.

"We hold our personnel to the highest moral and ethical standards," the release stated. "Rayjus has always represented the American way - liberty and justice for all..."

The release continued on to say the company remained committed to the community and was grateful for the opportunity to learn from the situation.

“Everybody has a different sense of what is funny and not funny,” Odom previously said of his jokes on the radio.

He believed his comments had been taken out of context.

Odom currently coaches boys fishing at Morris High School.

Dr. Patrick Halloran, superintendent of Morris Community High School District 101, said the district may evaluate Odom's role at next month's school board meeting.