Slain referee's widow files suit against player who killed him

The widow of a Detroit soccer referee has filed a $51 million lawsuit against the player who killed him

The widow of a Detroit soccer referee who was killed last year after being struck by a player has filed a $51 million lawsuit against the player who killed him, CBS Detroit is reporting. 

Kristen Bieniewicz, the wife of slain referee John Bieniewicz, filed the suit against 36-year-old Bassel Saad, the player who struck Bieniewicz during a United States Soccer League match in Livonia, Mich. 

Bieniewicz was preparing to send Saad off with a red card when Saad punched him in the face. Bieniewicz eventually died from his injuries. 

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Kristen claims the specific dollar amount of the lawsuit represents $1 million for every year that her husband could have lived. Her husband was 44 at the time of his death. 

“We hope this lawsuit sends a message that when you commit uncivilized acts in a civilized world there are consequences, even beyond the criminal realm,” said Bieniewicz attorney James Acho. 

Saad was sentenced in March to eight years in prison after he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. 

- Jack Jorgensen