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FATAL
PUNCH: Saad is charged with second-degree murder in the death of soccer referee
John Bieniewicz (INSET)
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A weekend
soccer player whose punch killed a referee is returning to court for his
sentence in a case that inspired Michigan lawmakers to discuss a new class of
sports crimes.
Bassel
Saad pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. He's due in court on Friday.
The maximum punishment is 15 years in prison, although he'll be eligible for
parole after serving a minimum sentence set by the judge.
AP report continues:
The
37-year-old admits striking referee John Bieniewicz (BEN'-uh-wits) during a
game last summer at a Livonia park as Bieniewicz prepared to issue Saad a
second yellow card, ejecting him from the game. Bieniewicz died two days later.
Defense
attorney Cyril Hall says Saad, a Dearborn auto mechanic, is remorseful.
Michigan lawmakers are
discussing whether to create new crimes for assaults on sports referees.
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Photo
released by Jim Bieniewicz shows his brother, soccer referee John Bieniewicz,
44, top left, with his family.
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