Gambling Charges Dropped Against NFL Receiver
Kayshon Boutte Charges Dropped, Still Could Face NFL Discipline
The state of Louisiana has dropped gambling-related charges against NFL wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, the players’ attorney told ESPN.
Boutte had been accused of placing multiple online sports bets while he was underage at LSU. He was arrested in January and charged with underage gambling and computer fraud.
Officials with the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division said Boutte, who was 20 at the time, placed more than 8,000 sports wagers over a 13-month span between April 2022 and May 2023. Boutte, a former five-star recruit, was selected in the sixth round (187th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft that April.
Here’s why Kayshon Boutte’s charges were dropped.
No Financial Gain for Boutte
State law stipulates that bettors must 21 or older, so Boutte allegedly used an alias. Investigators said Boutte made 17 bets on college football, including six on LSU.
The East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office commended the state’s investigation in a statement after Kayshon Boutte’s charges were dropped, adding that Boutte “did not financially benefit from his actions as a LSU football player” nor did he bet against himself or his team.
“Kayshon Boutte has completed a gambling awareness program and executed self-ban agreements in Massachusetts as well as with FanDuel and BET99. In light of his mitigatory actions, we do not believe a felony prosecution is appropriate.”
Role Uncertain with Patriots
The NFL strictly prohibits players from betting on league games but allows them to wager on other sports. Boutte was not accused of NFL betting after being drafted, though he could still face discipline from the league. The league’s investigation is reportedly ongoing.
“We have been following developments in the matter, which remains under review,” an NFL spokesperson told ESPN. “He may continue to participate in all team activities.”
Boutte played five games as a rookie, making two catches for 19 yards. He competed in offseason workouts and minicamp and figures to be a fight for playing time in training camp.
The Patriots selected two more receivers in this year’s draft — Washington’s Ja’Lynn Polk in the second round and UCF’s Javon Baker in the fourth round — and signed K.J. Osborn from the Vikings in free agency. With other New England Patriots players returning, the depth chart at that position is getting crowded.
When asked about Boutte earlier this offseason, new Patriots head coach Jarod Mayo told reporters that he would “wait to hear from the league going forward” before making any decisions on his status. Consequently, the coach emphasized the importance of official guidance before taking any action.
The state of Louisiana has dropped the underage gambling and computer fraud charges against Kayshon Boutte, the Patriots wide receiver’s attorney told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/IlkRGgcffH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 16, 2024
State Revising Laws
Following Boutte’s arrest, Louisiana officials have enacted several laws to crack down on sports betting. As a result, starting Aug. 1, proposition bets will be suspended.
Online sports betting has been legal since January 2022, with FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM among the first sportsbooks to launch. WynnBet soon followed, bringing the state to seven available online sportsbooks.
Options are expected to continue expanding, as the state allows up to 41 different mobile operators. That makes it one of the most competitive markets in the South.
Stay tuned for more updates on Kayson Boutte’s charges being dropped.
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