A New England Patriots spokesperson has reportedly released a statement regarding the arrest of rookie wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who is facing illegal online gaming charges.
Per a report from WAFB 9 on Thursday, Boutte allegedly created a fake account for gambling and falsely represented himself as 21 years old or older, when he was underaged.
The charges stem from his days at LSU, but according to the report, through a source, Boutte never bet “against himself” and isn’t being accused of throwing games.
Per the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan, the statement from the Patriots’ spokesperson read:
The New England Patriots are aware that Kayshon Boutte is cooperating with Louisiana Police regarding their investigation into an underage gambling charge while he was a student at Louisiana State University. I don’t anticipate that we will be providing any additional comments at this time.
A #Patriots spokesperson has released the following statement on Kayshon Boutte's arrest: pic.twitter.com/ohkIj3tLE9
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) January 25, 2024
Boutte’s affidavit lists two counts of charges, a felony for computer fraud and a misdemeanor for gaming or employment in gaming prohibited for persons under 21. He allegedly placed more than 8,900 bets under a fake account with some of the wagers being placed on LSU football games.
Discipline could come down from the NFL in this situation, and given the league’s strict stance on gambling, it wouldn’t be a surprise if it’s severe.
The NFL quietly changed its Conduct Policy last offseason to now allow for Commissioner discipline for pre-NFL conduct. https://t.co/NcING1mfny
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) January 25, 2024
Boutte only caught two passes for 19 yards in his rookie season. With significant change expected to come for a Patriots team in a complete rebuild, the former LSU standout might have created an even steeper climb for himself to stick on the roster.
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