Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard appeared in Los Angeles to plead with a judge to allow his troubled son, Daniel, 25, to enter the county’s diversion program after his arrest last month for allegedly trying to break into his father’s home and for violating a te
Sugar Ray Leonard stood in front of an LA judge with no fight in his hands—just a request that could keep his son out of a drawn-out courtroom battle.
The boxing legend. 70. appeared in Los Angeles on Thursday to ask that Daniel Leonard. 25. be allowed to attend the county’s diversion program instead of facing what he described as a lengthy trial. Daniel did not appear in court. Leonard delivered an emotional statement anyway, speaking directly about his concern for his son.
“I am here because of my concern for my son, Daniel, who is really an alcoholic and addict,” Leonard told the judge. “I was also an alcoholic. I just want to stand by him.”
He said the situation had been “really tough” for him, but argued that it was the best route for Daniel to stay alive. “This is really tough for me but this is the best way to keep him alive. My son has been through a lot. I’m in support of what it takes.”
Leonard was responding to charges Daniel faces after his arrest last month. Daniel was reportedly detained on his father’s property on May 20 after violating a temporary restraining order. Court records describe the arrest as occurring in the back of a police car. The filing also alleges that Daniel attempted to enter the residence by turning exterior door handles. though it is not clear whether he gained entry.
Daniel is facing three misdemeanour charges tied to the alleged conduct: disobeying domestic relations court order, trespass and refusal to leave property, and battery of elder or dependent adult.
During the hearing, an attorney with the LA City Attorney’s office asked whether Leonard supported the diversion program. Leonard’s answer was immediate. “That’s why I’m here. I’m in total support. I’m trying to be a better father and husband.”
Diversion programs in California can allow eligible people to avoid jail time and criminal convictions by completing rehabilitation or treatment. If someone completes the program successfully, charges are dismissed and the arrest record is typically sealed. The options can include mental health, drug/DUI, military, and specific county-level programs.
After Leonard spoke, the judge assured him that “we will make sure your son gets what he needs.”
The plea comes alongside a wider history laid out in court filings. Leonard filed for a domestic violence restraining order on the same date, after Daniel violated the original order. In that request. Leonard asked that Daniel be ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from himself. his wife Bernadette. and their daughter Camille. along with the boxer’s three dogs.
In his filing. Leonard claimed Daniel has been a drug addict for “seven or eight years at least. ” saying Daniel’s behavior “gotten worse.” He alleged that Daniel wrecked five different cars. was involved in a hit and run. and stole valuables and large amounts of money. Leonard also claimed Daniel has overdosed four times and had to be “brought back to life” at hospital on two occasions.
Leonard wrote that Daniel became violent and shoved the boxer during a heated physical altercation. “I love my son but he has become a danger not only to himself but to his family,” Leonard wrote. “My wife is extremely afraid along with my daughter Camille.”
His statement in court echoed that theme of fear and urgency. Last February. Bernadette posted a photo of Sugar Ray and Daniel with a cryptic caption reading. “We will get through this faze.” The caption also included. “His behavior has gotten worse everyday. We haven’t had a day of peace in nine years.”.
Daniel is the youngest son of Sugar Ray Leonard and his second wife Bernadette Robi, and his fourth son overall. Sugar Ray and Bernadette also have two other sons—Ray Jr. with Leonard’s first wife Juanita Wilkinson in 1973. and then a daughter. Camille. with Bernadette—before adding two more sons. Jarrel and then Daniel.
The family, despite the boxing legend’s fame, has kept details private for years. Leonard has previously appeared alongside Daniel in public. including a Valentine’s photo posted by Bernadette last February showing Sugar Ray with his arm around Daniel’s shoulder. captioned. “Happy Valentine’s to my hearts!!!. Love you both beyond and we will get through this faze!” In 2023. Leonard posted a family selfie on Daniel’s birthday with the caption. “So happy to be with my son Daniel this weekend!. I am so proud of you!!!. Happy Birthday!!!” Daniel has been conspicuously absent from some more recent family photos. including a party Leonard held for Bernadette’s birthday in April.
Thursday’s court appearance unfolded against the backdrop of Leonard’s own long and storied career. He won world titles in five different weight classes and is an Olympic gold medalist. He fought 40 times across the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, finishing with 36 overall wins. In the 1980s he was part of boxing’s “Four Kings”—Roberto Duran. Thomas Hearns. Marvin Hagler and Leonard—where Leonard was the only one to beat all three rivals.
Leonard was voted as the greatest living boxer by The Ring in 2016, and he continues to appear on television. He previously competed on Dancing With The Stars and other reality TV shows. He is also the godfather of Khloe Kardashian and has appeared on multiple episodes of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
For now, the immediate question after Thursday’s plea is whether the diversion pathway the judge promised can move Daniel Leonard away from courtrooms and toward treatment—before the next arrest becomes part of the same exhausting cycle.
Sugar Ray Leonard Daniel Leonard diversion program domestic violence restraining order LA judge boxing legend