Boxing icon Sugar Ray Leonard appeared in a Los Angeles court on Thursday, making an emotional plea to a judge to allow his 25-year-old son, Daniel, to participate in the county's diversion program. Daniel Leonard was arrested last month for allegedly attempting to break into his father's home and for violating a temporary restraining order.
Sugar Ray Leonard, 70, addressed the judge directly, expressing deep concern for his son. "I am here because of my concern for my son, Daniel, who is really an alcoholic and addict," Leonard stated. "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."
When questioned by an attorney about his support for the diversion program, the former boxer confirmed, "That's why I'm here. I'm in total support. I'm trying to be a better father and husband." The judge assured Leonard that his son would receive the necessary support. Daniel Leonard is the youngest son of Sugar Ray Leonard and his second wife, Bernadette Robi.
According to reports, Daniel was detained on May 20 on his father's property after allegedly violating a restraining order and attempting to enter the residence by testing exterior door handles. It remains unclear if he gained entry to the home.
Court filings reveal that Sugar Ray Leonard had sought a domestic violence restraining order on the same date after his son allegedly violated an earlier order. The boxing legend petitioned for Daniel to be ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from himself, his wife Bernadette, their daughter Camille, and the family's dogs.
In his filing, Leonard claimed his son has struggled with drug addiction for at least seven or eight years, with his behavior escalating. He alleged Daniel has wrecked five cars, was involved in a hit-and-run, stolen valuables, and large sums of money. Sugar Ray Leonard also stated that his son had overdosed four times, requiring resuscitation on two occasions. He described Daniel as having become violent, recounting an incident where his son allegedly shoved him during a physical altercation.
"I love my son but he has become a danger not only to himself but to his family," Leonard wrote in the filings. "My wife is extremely afraid along with my daughter Camille. His behavior has gotten worse everyday. We haven't had a day of peace in nine years."
Sugar Ray Leonard, a boxing Hall of Famer, won world titles in five different weight classes during his career in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. He was a key figure in the legendary "Four Kings" rivalry of the 1980s, famously defeating Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler.