“The last thing I want is to be associated with anything like that,” he said Tuesday.

Lyons — who had not yet made an appearance in the case — said he hadn’t been informed about a long term decision on his participation.

“Whether I am in or out, I have already made significant contributions to the case. And in or out, the SLRC and I will be ready to help (Cotriss) in any way we can,” Lyons said in an email. “This case is a long way from over — we'll see who is in or out at the finish.”

Cotriss, of Woodstock, previously said she did not know some consider the Confederate flag offensive.