
The state of Louisiana announced on July 16 that the charges of underage gambling and computer fraud against Kayshon Boutte have now been dropped. Boutte is a wide receiver for the New England Patriots, but was alleged to have committed the crimes while attending Louisiana State University (LSU).
He was arrested in January in Baton Rouge, Louisiana over allegations of illegal sports betting while he played at LSU, but was a full participant in spring practices earlier this year with the Patriots.
Investigators that had been assigned to the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division found that Boutte bet on sports from April 6, 2022, until May 7, 2023, having only been 20-years old at the time. Boutte was said to have used an alias to work past age requirements for placing sports wagers in the state.
The alias account placed more than 8,900 wagers, with at least 17 bets on NCAA football games and at least six involving LSU, police said.
Boutte was said to have continued placing bets for approximately a week after he was drafted by the Patriots. The NFL's gambling policy allows players to bet on sports, but not on anything related to the league.
Boutte will now have an equal chance of earning a roster spot for the Patriots with the baggage of these chargers left behind him. With the Patriots hiring a new coach and drafting a new quarterback as well, Boutte will be attempting to make a name for himself during a transitional period for the team.
The Patriots selected Boutte in the sixth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft despite the rumors about this betting scandal and injuries Boutte sustained during his junior season.