Charges Dropped Against Patriots Receiver Kayshon Boutte in Underage Gambling Case

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte will not face charges related to underage gambling and computer fraud after the state of Louisiana dropped the accusations. The NFL had announced plans to launch an independent investigation into Boutte's alleged activities, but the league could still punish the player if its probe determines he violated any league policy.

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is no longer expected to face charges related to underage gambling and computer fraud, his attorney told ESPN. The state of Louisiana has dropped the charges against the NFL player, who was accused of placing multiple online sports wagers while he was underage.

Boutte was taken into police custody in January after he was accused of placing more than 8,000 individual sports bets during a 13-month span from April 2022 to May 2023. Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division officials alleged that the majority of the alleged acts happened during Boutte's tenure with the LSU Tigers.

Charges Dropped Against Patriots Receiver Kayshon Boutte in Underage Gambling Case

Investigators claimed that Boutte likely used an alias when he engaged with the betting platforms and that several bets were made on college football games, including an estimated six games involving LSU. Louisiana law stipulates that an individual must be at least 21-years-old to legally gamble. Boutte was 20 during the time period that the alleged bets took place.

The Patriots selected Boutte in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft last April. The NFL announced its intention to launch an independent probe into Boutte's alleged activities, as NFL players are strictly prohibited from placing bets on any of the league's games. However, they are permitted to make wagers on other sports. Boutte has not been accused of making bets on NFL games after he was drafted.

Charges Dropped Against Patriots Receiver Kayshon Boutte in Underage Gambling Case

Despite the charges being dropped, the NFL could still punish Boutte if the league's investigation determines the wide receiver violated any league policy during his rookie year. Boutte saw limited playing time in 2023, appearing in just five games. The Patriots decided to select two receivers in the draft in April, which will likely mean Boutte will have to battle to make the 2024 roster.

Boutte's attorney told ESPN that he was "pleased" that the charges had been dropped and that his client is "looking forward to moving on with his life and his career." The Patriots have not commented on the matter.

Charges Dropped Against Patriots Receiver Kayshon Boutte in Underage Gambling Case