Sugar Ray Leonard appeared in court in Los Angeles on Thursday to issue an emotional plea to the judge about his troubled son.
The boxing legend’s son, Daniel, 25, was arrested last month after attempting to break into his father’s home and violating a temporary restraining order.
He is facing three misdemeanour charges of disobeying domestic relations court order, trespass and refusal to leave property, and battery of elder or dependent adult.
On Thursday, the former boxer, 70, appeared in front of an LA judge and begged them to allow his son to attend the county’s diversion program rather than suffer through a lengthy trial.
His son did not appear in court, but an emotional Leonard stood up in front of the judge and provided a statement.
‘I am here because of my concern for my son, Daniel, who is really an alcoholic and addict,’ he said. ‘I was also an alcoholic. I just want to stand by him.
‘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.’
Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard appeared in court in Los Angeles to plead a judge to allow his troubled son, Daniel, to attend the county’s diversion program
Daniel Ray Leonard is pictured with his dad Sugar Ray and mom Bernadette back in 2017
When asked by an attorney with the LA City Attorney’s office if he supports his son to undergo the diversion program, the legendary fighter said: ‘That’s why I’m here. I’m in total support. I’m trying to be a better father and husband.’
In California, diversion programs allow eligible individuals to avoid jail time and criminal convictions by completing rehabilitation or treatment. Upon successful completion, charges are dismissed and the arrest record is typically sealed.
These options include mental health, drug/DUI, military, and specific county-level programs.
The formidable Sugar Ray, dressed in a slick suit and button down salmon-colored shirt and tie, was very emotional as he addressed the judge.
The judge then responded by assuring the former boxer that ‘we will make sure your son gets what he needs.’
Daniel is the youngest son of Sugar Ray Leonard and his second wife Bernadette Robi, and his fourth son overall.
He was reportedly detained on his father’s property on May 20 in the back of a police car after violating a temporary restraining order.
The report alleges that Daniel tried to enter the residence by turning exterior door handles, but it is not clear whether he gained entrance to the home.
More recently, Daniel (R) was pictured alongside the family – and Magic Johnson – last August
The Leonards live in a sprawling $46.5 million estate in the Pacific Palisades, California
It is believed that Sugar Ray still lives on a luxurious $46.5 million estate in the exclusive Upper Riviera area of the Pacific Palisades. It has been listed for sale multiple times over the past few years but has not sold.
Court filings obtained by the Daily Mail show that Leonard filed a separate request for a domestic violence restraining order on the same date, after Daniel violated the original order.
He petitioned for Daniel to be ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from himself, his wife Bernadette and their daughter Camille, as well as the boxer’s three dogs.
In his filing, Leonard claimed that Daniel has been a drug addict for ‘seven or eight years at least’ with his behavior having allegedly ‘gotten worse.’
He alleged that Daniel has wrecked five different cars, was involved in a hit and run, and stolen valuables and large amounts of money.
Leonard claimed that his son has overdosed four times and had to be ‘brought back to life’ at hospital on two occasions.
He said that his son had become violent and had 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.
In a restraining order petition, Sugar Ray said that his wife and daughter Camille (pictured right) were ‘extremely afraid’ of his son’s behavior
In February 2025, Bernadette posted a photo of Sugar Ray and Daniel with a cryptic caption which stated: ‘We will get through this faze’
‘His behavior has gotten worse everyday. We haven’t had a day of peace in nine years.’
Sugar Ray had his first son – Ray Jr – with his first wife Juanita Wilkinson in 1973, before adding a daughter – Camille – with Bernadette.
He and Bernadette went on to have another two sons, Jarrel and then Daniel, but their family life has remained private despite the boxing legend’s fame and fortune.
Sugar Ray and Daniel have been pictured together on multiple occasions in recent years – as recently as the summer of 2025 in a snap alongside Magic Johnson.
In February of last year, Daniel’s mother Bernadette posted a cryptic caption on Instagram alongside a photograph of Sugar Ray and Daniel – her husband and son.
A photo showed the pair standing together on a beach with Sugar Ray’s arm around Daniel’s shoulder, and the caption read: ‘Happy Valentine’s to my hearts!!! Love you both beyond and we will get through this faze!’
In 2023, the boxing icon posted a family selfie on Daniel’s birthday, alongside the caption: ‘So happy to be with my son Daniel this weekend! I am so proud of you!!! Happy Birthday!!!’
More recently, Sugar Ray celebrated his wife Bernadette’s birthday at a party in April, and Daniel is conspicuous by his absence from the family photos.
Daniel was arrested close to the pool house, which can be seen to the right of the photograph
Leonard punches rival Thomas Hearns through the ropes during their Vegas bout in 1981
Sugar Ray had a legendary boxing career throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, fighting 40 times with a total of 36 overall wins.
He is an Olympic gold medalist and won world titles in five different weight classes, making him one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Leonard was part of the legendary ‘Four Kings’ throughout the 1980s, which consisted of him alongside Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler. They all fought each other but Leonard was the only man to beat all three of his rivals.
In 2016, he was voted as the greatest living boxer by The Ring, and he continues to be a familiar face on television having 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 the hit TV show Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
