Illegal Sports Betting Scandal Sees NFL’s Kayshon Boutte Arrested
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte found himself in legal trouble as he was arrested in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, over allegations of illegal sports betting during his time at Louisiana State University (LSU).
The charges against Boutte, who is 21 years old, include a felony count of computer fraud and a misdemeanor count of gambling prohibited for individuals under 21. The Louisiana State Police indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Kayshon Boutte's Alleged Sports Betting Scandal
The Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division conducted an investigation, revealing that Boutte engaged in sports betting activities from April 6, 2022, until May 7, 2023, while he was still 20 years old. To circumvent the age requirement for sports wagering in Louisiana, Boutte allegedly used an alias.
The alias account, believed to be associated with Boutte, placed over 8,900 wagers, with at least 17 of them involving NCAA football games, including six related to LSU, according to law enforcement. LSU issued a statement acknowledging the allegations, stating that they had cooperated fully with the authorities during the investigation and had not found evidence of other student-athletes participating in similar prohibited activities.
The NCAA strictly prohibits athletes from wagering on any sport, imposing varying penalties for those found in violation, particularly if they have bet on their team or school.
Remarkably, Boutte's alleged wagering activities persisted for approximately a week even after the New England Patriots selected him in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The NFL does permit its players to bet on sports but explicitly prohibits any betting related to the league itself. The NFL declined to comment on Boutte's arrest.
During his rookie season with the Patriots, Boutte appeared in only five games and managed two receptions for a total of 19 yards. The New England Patriots released a statement acknowledging Boutte's cooperation with Louisiana police regarding the underage gambling charges. The statement also mentioned that the team did not anticipate making any further comments on the matter.
The Wide Receiver’s NFL Ascent
Boutte's career at LSU had standout moments, including setting an SEC single-game record with 308 receiving yards as a freshman against Ole Miss in December 2020. In the following season as a sophomore, he recorded nine touchdown catches. However, Boutte faced injuries and experienced a disappointing junior season with the Tigers before being selected by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The arrest of Kayshon Boutte serves as a reminder of the strict regulations surrounding sports betting and the importance of adhering to these rules for athletes both during and after their collegiate careers.
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