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 death of 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.
Bieniewicz died two days later. His wife said, "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 daily for the Bieniewicz family, which includes two children.
Ah! This one shouldn't have being playing football, he should be fighting wrestling! He's got talent there!
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