Kayshon Boutte, the New England Patriots receiver who plays for NFL team has been arrested over charges related to illegal sports betting.
The player is accused of making over 8, 900 bets in his native Louisiana. The bets was said to be around April 2022 and May 2023 while Boutte was under age.
The Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division made the arrest. According to them, Boutte was 20 years old when he placed the bets. The minimum legal age to bet on sports in Louisiana is 21.
The player is reported to have used an alias to avoid legal age requirements. During that time, he was playing American Football for LSU or Louisiana State University.
At least 17 of the nearly-9, 000 wagers were on NCAA or National Collegiate Athletic Association football games. These included at least six related to LSU football events.
Police has also launched an investigation into this matter last July. They also secured an arrest warrant on January 18. The player was arrested in January on one count of computer fraud and another of underage gambling.
According to local media reports, Boutte has been released from custody but as the investigation is still ongoing, he could face further charges.
Boutte is in his debut season with the Patriots after joining the team in the 2023 NFL draft. He has two receptions for the current season, 19 receiving yards with a receiving average of 9.5 yards.
The charges come after the NCAA in October called for a maximized protection for student-athletes from gambling threats. The collegiate organization wants states to update existing laws and regulations to help to preserve the integrity of its competitions.
Laws legalising sports betting since PASPA was repealed in 2018 was made by almost 40 states. The NCAA says only some of these contain protection and integrity to help its players.
