At Penn State, boxer Sugar Ray Leonard recounts abuse

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Retired boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard says he cried for Jerry Sandusky’s accusers after hearing of the former Penn State assistant coach’s arrest on child se- abuse charges nearly a year ago.

A survivor himself, Leonard spoke about his own experiences today at the university’s inaugural conference to raise awareness about combating abuse.

Leonard says it’s still a difficult topic, but he wants to be a leader in speaking out against abuse and encouraging victims to come forward. Experts say cases of child sex abuse are underreported.

Sandusky was sentenced to at least 30 years in prison after being convicted on dozens of criminal counts. Eight accusers testified at trial.

Leonard says he would tell those accusers that speaking out about their experiences may prevent others from experiencing abuse.