Speed skaters defend coach

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KEARNS, Utah, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Nine U.S. speed skaters are defending their coach Jae Su Chun in a statement of support and decrying allegations of abuse against him.

The statement, released Tuesday, criticized complaining teammates for "baseless allegations of abuse that are nothing more than a false attack on his character," and was signed by nine athletes, including Olympic bronze medalists Lana Gerhing and Kimberly Derrick, the Salt Lake Tribune reported Wednesday.

U.S. Speedskating suspended Chun over allegations of verbal, physical and psychological abuse while an investigation into the charges is conducted, the newspaper said.

Ed Williams, attorney for the athletes who lodged the complaints, said he filed a request for arbitration with the American Arbitration Association to resolve the issues before the Sept. 27 start of qualifying races in Kearns, Utah, for upcoming World Cup competitions.