Former boxing world champion Sugar Ray Leonard appeared in a Los Angeles court on Thursday to request a rehabilitation diversion program for his son Daniel. The 70-year-old boxing legend delivered an emotional statement to the judge regarding his troubled 25-year-old son.
Daniel Ray Leonard was arrested last month after attempting to break into his father's home and violating a temporary restraining order. He is facing three misdemeanor charges: disobeying a domestic relations court order, trespass and refusal to leave property, and battery of an elder or dependent adult.
The former boxer begged the court to allow his son to attend the county diversion program rather than endure a lengthy trial. Daniel did not appear in court, but his father stood up before the judge to speak on his behalf.
"I am here because of my concern for my son, Daniel, who is really an alcoholic and addict," Leonard 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," he added. "My son has been through a lot. I'm in support of what it takes."
An attorney with the Los Angeles City Attorney's office asked the former fighter if he supported his son undergoing the diversion program. Leonard confirmed his backing for the measure.
"That's why I'm here. I'm in total support. I'm trying to be a better father and husband," Leonard said.
Dressed in a slick suit with a salmon-colored button-down shirt and tie, Leonard became very emotional as he addressed the bench. The judge responded by assuring him, "we will make sure your son gets what he needs."
Diversion Programs and Arrest Details
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 or DUI, military, and specific county-level programs.
Daniel is the youngest son of Sugar Ray Leonard and his second wife Bernadette Robi, and is the boxer's 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.
Police reports allege that Daniel tried to enter the residence by turning exterior door handles. It remains unclear whether he gained entry into the home. Daniel was arrested close to the pool house on the property.
Sugar Ray Leonard resides on a luxurious estate valued at $46.5 million in the exclusive Upper Riviera area of Pacific Palisades, California. The sprawling property has been listed for sale multiple times over the past few years but has not sold.
Restraining Order Filings and Allegations
Court filings obtained by the Daily Mail show that Leonard filed a separate request for a domestic violence restraining order on May 20, after Daniel violated the original order.
In his petition, Leonard requested that Daniel be ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from himself, his wife Bernadette Robi, their daughter Camille, and the family's three dogs.
Leonard claimed in the court documents that Daniel has been a drug addict for "seven or eight years at least" and that his behavior has allegedly "gotten worse."
The filing detailed that Daniel has wrecked five different cars, was involved in a hit and run, and stole valuables along with large amounts of money.
Leonard stated that his son has overdosed four times and had to be "brought back to life" at a hospital on two occasions.
The filing also alleged that Daniel became violent and shoved the boxing icon 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 in the court documents. "My wife is extremely afraid along with my daughter Camille."
"His behavior has gotten worse everyday," Leonard added in his filing. "We haven't had a day of peace in nine years."
Family History and Social Media Posts
Sugar Ray Leonard had his first son, Ray Jr., with his first wife Juanita Wilkinson in 1973. He later welcomed his daughter Camille with Bernadette Robi.
He and Bernadette went on to have two more sons, Jarrel and Daniel. Despite the boxing legend's fame and fortune, their family life has largely remained private.
Sugar Ray and Daniel have been pictured together on multiple occasions in recent years. In 2023, the boxing icon 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!!!"
In February 2025, Bernadette posted a photograph on Instagram showing Sugar Ray and Daniel standing together on a beach with Sugar Ray's arm around his son's shoulder. She wrote in the caption: "Happy Valentine’s to my hearts!!! Love you both beyond and we will get through this faze!"
The family was also pictured together alongside basketball legend Magic Johnson in August 2025. More recently, Sugar Ray celebrated his wife Bernadette's birthday at a party in April, where Daniel was conspicuous by his absence from family photos.
A Legendary Career in Boxing
Sugar Ray Leonard built a legendary boxing career throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, competing in 40 fights and securing 36 overall wins.
He is an Olympic gold medalist who won world titles in five different weight classes, establishing his reputation as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Leonard was part of the famous "Four Kings" era of boxing in the 1980s alongside Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler. While all four fought one another, Leonard was the only fighter to defeat all three rivals, famously punching Hearns through the ropes during their 1981 Las Vegas bout.
In 2016, Leonard was voted the greatest living boxer by The Ring magazine. He remains a familiar figure on television, having competed on Dancing With The Stars and other reality shows. He is also the godfather of Khloe Kardashian and has appeared on multiple episodes of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
