DETROIT -- A weekend soccer player in the Detroit area whose punch killed a referee has been sentenced to at least eight years in prison for involuntary manslaughter.
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.
Saad, a Dearborn auto mechanic, admits striking referee John Bieniewicz during a game last summer at a Livonia park. Bieniewicz was preparing to call a penalty that would have dismissed Saad from the game.
In a dramatic moment, Bieniewicz's wife, Kris Bieniewicz, held up a red card in court Friday, signaling the dismissal. Saad expressed remorse.
He will be eligible for parole after eight years. His maximum punishment is 15 years in prison.