Soccer player whose punch killed referee gets 8-15 years in prison

Niraj Warikoo | Detroit Free Press

The Dearborn man who killed a referee during a soccer game last year was sentenced Friday to 8 to 15 years by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Cameron

Bassel Saad, 36, had struck a plea deal with prosecutors, pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter for punching referee John Bieniewicz, 44, during a game last summer in Livonia. He died July 1, two days after he was hit by Saad.

Judge Cameron said Friday to Saad: You "personify everything that is wrong" with the "escalation of violence in sports."

Saad had earlier faced a second-degree murder charge. In 2005, he had assaulted a soccer player in a separate incident.

Saad, an immigrant from Lebanon, could face deportation after serving his sentence.

Family members of the victim addressed the court before the sentencing. They described him as a man close with his family, warm and generous. He called his mother every day.

"The senselessness is staggering," said a sister of Bieniewicz. "He killed John. He killed our joy. "The pain of losing John is indescribable."

Saad told the court: "I'm so sorry."