Former LSU football star player arrested in Baton Rouge for illegal online gaming

UPDATE: 1:26 p.m. CST - According to a Louisiana Sate Police press release, Boutte is accused of placing 8,900 illegal sports book wagers including six that included LSU football games.

According to reports, former LSU football player Kayshon Boutte was arrested on Thursday due to his involvement with an "illegal online gaming" operation. Worse, Boutte allegedly participated in the operation during his tenure in Baton Rouge.

According to one source, Boutte was not involved in any gaming that included his performance. As such, we assume that illegal online gaming refers to an offshore sports book.

Boutte was slapped with a felony charge of Computer Fraud and a misdemeanor count of Gaming Prohibited for Persons under 21. The former LSU football receiver turned 21 on May 7, 2003.

He remains listed on the New England Patriots' active roster, but that might change soon as Boutte likely heads into a lengthy legal battle. It is fair to assume an NFL suspension looms, pending the outcome of a forthcoming trial. In the meantime, the Patriots can suspend or release the rookie receiver.

With the growth of the legalization of online sports books comes the incrimination of professional athletes caught up in participation. Last June, the NFL suspended four players for betting on NFL games. Few fans will recall current Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for a year for gambling on NFL games.

However, the difference between recent NFL suspensions and the charges levied against Boutte is the source. Unlike Ridley, the allegations surrounding Boutte include an illegal sports book. Indeed, Ridley violated NFL policy, while the former LSU Tigers star allegedly broke the law.

LSU fans are disappointed by Kayshon Boutte's progressive downfall. After his freshman season in Baton Rouge, he seemed a sure-fire first-round draft pick. However, the New Iberia native was slowed by injuries in 2022 and dismissed by Brian Kelly ahead of LSU's bowl game after the 2023 season.

New England selected Boutte in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He appeared in three games for the Patriots, logging only two catches for 19 yards.