New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, 21, was arrested last week in Louisiana on charges of illegal gambling by a minor related to bets he placed while in college at Louisiana State University (LSU). Charges against Boutte include a felony count of computer fraud and a misdemeanor count of gambling prohibited for persons under 21.
The charges against Boutte relate to a sports betting account or accounts he maintained during his college days under an assumed name. His use of a fake identity to set up the counts are the reason he’s being charged with felony computer but that’s not the only thorny issue he’s dealing with.
According to the Louisiana State Police, Boutte placed 8,900 wagers between April 6, 2022, until May 7, 2023 including six on his team. Boutte is also accused of placing wagers on 11 other college football games during that period. The NCAA bars student-athletes from wagering of any kind.
While there’s never a good time to be facing illegal gambling charges, Boutte’s legal troubles could hardly come at a worse time. As a rookie player, his actions are under a microscope and with just two receptions for a total of 19 yards spread across five games, he’s hardly a standout player. According to ESPN.com, he’s currently still on the Patriot’s roster, but that could as his legal situation ebbs and flows.
Boutte’s case is on the egregious side, but it’s also clearly aimed at sending a message to current college athletes that sports betting is a prohibited activity with consequences that can stretch well into your adult life.