Details of Kayshon Boutte’s arrest:: Why Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte was arrested over illegal sports betting

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, a former standout at LSU, has been arrested on charges related to illegal sports betting during his time at the university. The arrest comes as a complicating factor in Boutte’s professional career, which had faced setbacks due to injuries. The 21-year-old, once projected as a first-round pick, was selected by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Here are the details surrounding Boutte’s arrest and the allegations he is facing.

Details of Kayshon Boutte’s Arrest:

• Charges: Boutte faces a felony charge of computer fraud and a misdemeanor charge of gambling prohibited for individuals under the age of 21.
• Allegations: The arrest is based on accusations that Boutte placed thousands of bets while underage, with at least six bets involving LSU football, according to the Louisiana State Police.
• Betting Account: The betting account linked to Boutte allegedly recorded over 8,900 bets, amounting to “several hundred thousand dollars.” There is no evidence that Boutte ever bet against himself or the Tigers, but the bets made while he was at LSU qualify as underage.
• LSU’s Response: LSU acknowledged being aware of the allegations in July 2023, asserting that it involves a former student’s improper conduct related to sports gambling. The university stated that there is no evidence of similar violations by other Tigers athletes.
• Previous Issues: Boutte had faced prior issues at LSU, including participation in an autograph session before student-athletes were permitted to profit from their name and likeness. He had also been suspended for the Citrus Bowl at the end of the 2022 season for an “unrelated incident.”

Repercussions and Uncertainties:

• NFL Anti-Gambling Policy: The NFL has a strict anti-gambling policy for players, and Boutte’s arrest could have serious consequences. However, it remains unclear whether the league can suspend him if there is no evidence of bets placed after he was drafted.
• Betting on Himself: Court filings revealed that Boutte placed two bets on himself in a 2022 game against Florida State, betting on exceeding 82.5 receiving yards and scoring a touchdown. The documents detailed 17 bets on NCAA football, including six related to LSU football early in the 2022 season.
• Financial Transactions: More than $130,000 was reportedly deposited into the account linked to Boutte between 2022 and ’23, with allegations of wagers exceeding $600,000 during that period.

Kayshon Boutte’s arrest introduces legal complexities to his professional journey, adding to the challenges he has faced since entering the NFL. The allegations of underage sports betting during his college years raise questions about potential repercussions from both the legal system and the NFL, casting a shadow over the young receiver’s promising career.