New England Patriots' Kayshon Boutte Arrested for Illegal Betting
Date: 2024-02-11 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: SPORTS BETTING
In a startling turn of events, Kayshon Boutte, a rising star in the NFL, has been apprehended for his involvement in illegal sports betting activities. Boutte, who currently plays for the New England Patriots, stands accused of placing over 8,900 bets in his native Louisiana between April 2022 and May 2023, all while being underage.
The arrest was made by the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division, which revealed that Boutte was just 20 years old when he made these wagers. In Louisiana, the minimum legal age for sports betting is 21, making Boutte's actions a clear violation of the law.
It has come to light that Boutte used an alias to evade the age restrictions in place. Notably, he was still playing college football for Louisiana State University (LSU) during this period. Shockingly, among the nearly 9,000 bets he placed, at least 17 were on National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football games, including six on LSU football events.
The charges brought against Boutte include computer fraud and underage gambling. While he has been released from custody, the ongoing investigation may lead to further charges being filed against him.
Boutte, who joined the New England Patriots in the 2023 NFL draft, has yet to face suspension from the NFL for his actions, as the bets were made prior to his entry into the league. However, this incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement and regulations within professional sports to protect the integrity of the game.
This arrest also comes on the heels of the NCAA's call for enhanced protection for student-athletes against the harms of gambling. With sports betting legal in nearly 40 states, the NCAA is urging lawmakers to update laws and regulations to safeguard the integrity of collegiate sports.
In the NFL, gambling remains a serious violation, and the league has previously suspended players for betting on sports. Recent examples include Eyioma Uwazurike, Isaiah Rodgers, Rashod Berry, and Demetrius Taylor, who were suspended for betting violations. Nicholas Petit-Frere of the Tennessee Titans also faced a suspension for betting on non-NFL sports at the club facility.
The NFL's strict gambling policy prohibits any form of gambling within club or league facilities, including practice facilities. While Boutte's fate within the league remains uncertain, his arrest serves as a stark reminder of the consequences professional athletes may face for engaging in illegal betting activities.
