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Kids games, building character one act of violence at a time, soccer

Posted by thom_c 
Kids games, building character one act of violence at a time, soccer
March 14, 2015
Only eight years for a murder. So glad soccer didn't come to Vegas.

http://lasvegassun.com/news/2015/mar/13/soccer-player-gets-8-years-prison-killing-referee/


Soccer player gets 8 years in prison for killing referee


Ed White, Associated Press

Friday, March 13, 2015 | 10:22 a.m.

DETROIT — A widow held up a red card, signaling ejection, as a weekend soccer player was sentenced Friday to at least eight years in prison for a punch that killed a Detroit-area referee.

The case against Bassel Saad has put a spotlight on out-of-control recreational athletes and inspired Michigan lawmakers to consider new crimes for assaults on sports referees.

The death of referee John Bieniewicz was "senseless, meaningless," his wife, Kris Bieniewicz, told the judge. "All because of a call on a soccer field. It's a game. It's a game that we teach our kids as soon as they can walk."

Saad pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, admitting he punched Bieniewicz during a game last summer at a Livonia park. Bieniewicz, 44, was preparing to call a penalty that would have ejected the Dearborn auto mechanic.

He died two days later.

A red card signals ejection in soccer. Kris Bieniewicz pulled one from her pocket at the end of her remarks in court, although Saad had his back to the gallery and didn't see it.

She said the sentence and plea deal were generous, adding: "It will always be murder in my eyes."

"One man has enough pent-up frustration, enough vengeance in his heart, that with one blow he can take my husband's life and in the process destroy not only my family but his family," Bieniewicz said.

Saad, 37, will be eligible for parole after eight years. The maximum punishment is 15 years in prison, and he also could be deported. He expressed remorse and said he prays for the Bieniewicz family, which includes two children.

rest with photo at link.

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“There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.”
Re: Kids games, building character one act of violence at a time, soccer
March 14, 2015


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“There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.”
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