Former LSU football standout and current New England Patriots wide receiver, Kayshon Boutte, has been charged with illegal sports betting, sparking a major controversy in both college and professional football circles. Boutte, known for his dynamic play on the field, now finds himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
The Investigation and Charges
The saga began when Louisiana State Police launched an extensive investigation into Boutte’s activities after FanDuel Sportsbook reported suspicious betting activity by a collegiate athlete in July 2023. The probe revealed that Boutte had created an online betting account under the fictitious name “Kayla Fortenberry,” using his mother’s credit card to fund the account. This account was used to place nearly 9,000 illegal wagers, including bets on LSU football games, some of which Boutte played in.
Boutte, who was underage at the time of these activities, is accused of computer fraud, a felony, and a misdemeanor count of gaming prohibited for persons under 21. He turned himself in and was released from East Baton Rouge Parish Prison after posting a $6,000 bond.
The Bets and Their Implications
The investigation uncovered that Boutte won over $500,000 from these bets, most of which were reinvested in additional gambling. Notably, seventeen wagers were made on NCAA football between August 28, 2022, and October 9, 2023; six were on LSU football games. One specific bet included Boutte betting on himself to score at least one touchdown and to have over 82.5 receiving yards during the LSU vs. Florida State game on September 4, 2022. Unfortunately for Boutte, he did not achieve either outcome.
LSU and Patriots’ Response
LSU has cooperated with authorities since being informed of the allegations and stated there’s no evidence other student-athletes were involved. The New England Patriots, aware of Boutte’s cooperation with Louisiana police regarding underage gambling charges during his time at LSU, have not anticipated further comments on the matter. The NFL, which allows players to bet on sports but not anything related to the league, has declined to comment on Boutte’s arrest.
Boutte’s Career and Future
Boutte spent three years with the LSU Tigers as a wide receiver before joining the New England Patriots. Despite facing injuries that impacted his college career, Boutte set an SEC single-game record with 308 receiving yards against Ole Miss in December 2020. However, his junior year was marred by inconsistencies, leading to a drop in his draft stock. The Patriots selected Boutte in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but he played only five games in his rookie season due to limited offensive snaps.
Legal and Career Implications
The charges against Boutte raise serious questions about the integrity of sports and the role of athletes in betting activities. Computer fraud is punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and five years or less in prison, while illegal gambling carries maximum penalties of a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. The ongoing investigation may lead to additional charges, potentially affecting Boutte’s future in the NFL.
As the legal process unfolds, the sports world watches closely to see how this case will impact not only Boutte’s career but also the broader conversation around sports betting and athlete conduct. The NFL’s stance on gambling, especially in light of recent high-profile investigations, underscores the league’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game. However, Boutte’s case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and temptations athletes face in the age of online betting.
