Gambling charges dropped for Pats WR Kayshon Boutte

Field Level Media|published: Tue 16th July, 11:32 2024

Jun 10, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (80) walks to the practice fields for minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Louisiana has dropped the underage gambling and computer fraud charges filed against New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte last January, his attorney confirmed Tuesday with ESPN.

Boutte, now 22, was arrested in Baton Rouge, La., on Jan. 25 on charges related to illegal online wagering while he attended LSU.

Authorities alleged that Boutte created a fraudulent online account, using an alias to get around the age requirement, and placed nearly 9,000 bets -- including at least 17 wagers on NCAA football games, including six on LSU contests, from 2022-23.

Boutte turned himself in on a felony charge of computer fraud and a misdemeanor count of gaming prohibited for persons under 21. He was booked at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison and released on a $6,000 bond.

Boutte played for three seasons at LSU from 2020-22, catching 131 passes for 1,782 yards and 16 touchdowns in 27 games. He set an SEC single-game record with 308 receiving yards against Ole Miss in 2020.

The Patriots drafted him in the sixth round in 2023 and he appeared in five games last season, catching two passes for 19 yards.

Boutte was a full participant during New England's spring practices. In May, head coach Jerod Mayo said the team would "wait to hear from the league going forward" regarding Boutte's status.

--Field Level Media