From: auto@gameofficials.net Sent: Friday, February 20, 2015 2:48 PM Subject: Today's court decision Original Sender: FRANCISCO VILLARRUEL Referees Earlier today (February 20), the Detroit Free Press reported that Mr. Bassal Saad has agreed to a plea deal for the assault of Michigan Referee John Bieniewicz. Mr. Saad has agreed to plea to involuntary manslaughter and will likely serve a sentence of 8-15 years, which is significantly less penalty than had he been convicted of second degree murder. While the Michigan Referee Committee understands that not all of us will be happy with this plea, we must focus our energies on two things that are of greater importance: First, supporting the Bieniewicz family. John’s eldest son continues to officiate. Those that knew John well remind us that his passion was being on the pitch officiating. Let us honor his life by continuing to do what he (and we) love to do – to be a part of the game of MI Soccer. Second, and perhaps more important, Sen Morris Hood (Detroit) has introduced legislation (SB 0013 of 2015) that would increase punishment for players, coaches, or spectators that assault a referee. Michigan would be the 24th State to enact legislation that would provide legal protection for sports officials, An online petition will be released in the next couple of weeks where you can sign on and urge your State Senators and Representative to support this legislation. As a government of the people our voice makes a difference. By sending a letter to your State Representative and Senator, you can help convince our state politicians that residents of Michigan support this legislation. Urge them to adapt this legislation to protect us all – and more importantly, to help prevent the loss of another sports official. The Michigan Referee Committee Carlos Folino, State Referee Administrator Francisco Villarruel, State Youth Referee Administrator Dean Kimmith, State Director of Assessment Mike Wint, State Director of Instruction John Corbett, State Director of Assigning Jim Wheeler, Chair, Michigan Referee Committee