Judge Mathis denies involvement in Detroit Mayor's legal fund, calls on Kilpatrick to quit

The Detroit News reports:

Television judge Greg Mathis today not only denied his participation in Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's legal defense fund, but called for the mayor's resignation amid the text-message scandal.

The Detroit Justice Fund, was announced today, but was still being formed. On Wednesday, members of Kilpatrick's legal team listed Detroit native Mathis as among the 12 prominent business leaders, politicians and attorneys who would lead the committee overseeing the fund.

"Not only do I not support him, but I recommend he resign so the city can heal and move forward," Mathis said in a released statement.

Mathis' statement blasted the mayor for listing him on the committee.

"He asked (Wednesday) if I could serve on his legal defense committee. I informed him, I support due process, but I could not support him," Mathis said. "This is the same type of deceit that has plunged our city into deep crisis."