Louisiana officials drop underage gambling, computer fraud charges against former LSU star Kayshon Boutte

Law enforcement officials in Louisiana are dropping the underage gambling and computer fraud charges levied against former LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, his lawyer revealed to ESPN on Tuesday. The Patriots sixth-rounder was arrested after the 2024 season.

Boutte allegedly placed nearly 9,000 sports bets while under the age of 21 by using a fraudulent identity. Seventeen of those bets were on NCAA football games, while at least six were on LSU football games. Several accounts he used included clues to his real identity despite registering under various names, including Kayla Fortenberry.

NFL investigating Boutte’s bets

NFL executive vice president Jeffery Miller revealed in January that the league was investigating New Boutte following his arrest for underage gambling.

If the NFL finds that he gambled on games while with the Patriots this season, his time in the league could potentially be over. This year, the NFL made adjustments to the gambling policy, including heightening penalties for players who bet on NFL games – including the possibility of a lifetime ban.

Former Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley famously served a one-year suspension for gambling on NFL games. His punishment didn’t stop others from making the same mistake. Lions first-rounder Jameson Williams served four weeks of an initial six-week suspension this season for violating the league’s policy.

Boutte went in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft following his junior season with the Tigers. Selected by the New England Patriots, he appeared in five games this season, recording two catches for 19 yards. Boutte was a standout receiver for the Tigers from 2020-2022. He recorded 131 catches for 1,782 yards and 16 touchdowns across those three seasons.