Massive Kayshon Boutte Legal Update Drops Just Before Training Camp

The New England Patriots are scheduled to open training camp on July 23 as the Jerod Mayo era will officially be underway for the 2024 season.

However, before rookies hit the field later this week and veterans report to camp next week, the Patriots received a huge update on second-year wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that the state of Louisiana dropped underage gambling and computer fraud charges against the former LSU wide receiver, per Boutte’s attorney.

Boutte was in hot water earlier this year as he was arrested in January for placing almost 9,000 bets (17 wagers were on college football games) while underage and using a fake account. 

Among those 17 college football wagers, six involved LSU when he was on the team in 2022, per Wilson Alexander of NOLA.com. At the time, Boutte was reportedly charged with a felony count of computer and a misdemeanor count of gaming prohibited by persons under 21 years of age.

Nonetheless, this latest news is excellent for Boutte and the Patriots. New England is excited to see what the young receiver can do in 2024 after having a quiet rookie season. Boutte had two receptions (seven targets) for 19 yards in five games last season.

However, with a new coaching staff in New England, Boutte can claim one of the Patriots’ starting wide receiver jobs, especially with veteran Juju Smith-Schuster on the bubble heading into training camp.

Earlier this offseason, Mayo was asked about Boutte and said he wanted to help the young wide receiver develop on the field, and off it as well, per Mike Kadlick of WEEI 93.7 FM.

With this situation officially behind him, Boutte can focus on trying to make the Patriots’ 53-man roster this summer.

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