Former LSU Superstar Kayshon Boutte Arrested: Illegal Online Gambling Allegations Rock the Sports World
Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The sports community was sent reeling when former LSU football sensation Kayshon Boutte was apprehended on charges related to illegal online gaming. This shocking development, the culmination of a comprehensive investigation by the Louisiana State Police, has cast a dark cloud over Boutte’s promising career.
Unraveling Boutte’s Alleged Involvement in Online Betting
According to law enforcement officials, Boutte, now a member of the illustrious New England Patriots, allegedly created an online betting account under a fictitious name while still below the legal gambling age of 21. This account served as a clandestine platform for placing illegal wagers, amassing a staggering $500,000 in winnings.
LSU Games Tainted by Suspicious Bets
The arrest warrant revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior, as Boutte allegedly placed nearly 9,000 illegal bets, including two on LSU football games in which he actively participated. One of these wagers was particularly audacious, as Boutte bet on his own performance, predicting that he would score at least one touchdown and surpass 82.5 receiving yards in a game against Florida State.
FanDuel Sportsbook Triggers the Investigation
The investigation that ultimately led to Boutte’s arrest was initiated by FanDuel Sportsbook, a prominent online gaming platform. In July 2023, the company contacted Louisiana State Police, reporting suspicious activity involving a prohibited person, specifically a collegiate athlete, who had placed multiple sports wagers.
Concealment and Deceit: Boutte’s Elaborate Scheme
In an attempt to evade detection, Boutte allegedly created the online gaming account under the alias Kayla Fortenberry, a fictitious female identity. To further complicate matters, he utilized his mother’s credit card to fund this illicit account.
LSU Responds to the Allegations
In response to the allegations against Boutte, LSU issued a statement expressing its full cooperation with the authorities conducting the investigation. The university emphasized the absence of evidence implicating other student-athletes in similar misconduct.
Legal Proceedings and Boutte’s Release
Boutte surrendered himself to authorities on charges of Computer Fraud, a felony, and Gaming Prohibited for Persons under 21, a misdemeanor. After posting a $6,000 bond, he was released from the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
Additional Details Emerge from the Investigation
The Louisiana State Police investigation uncovered a detailed account of Boutte’s online gaming activities. It was revealed that he deposited a total of $132,147.53 into the illegal account. While he managed to win a substantial amount, totaling $556,267.58, the majority of these winnings were used to place additional bets. Only a fraction, $50,282.36, was withdrawn from the account.
Boutte’s Football Career Overshadowed by Allegations
Prior to his arrest, Boutte had a promising football career ahead of him. A native of New Iberia and a graduate of Westgate High School, he spent three years with the LSU Tigers as a wide receiver. During his time with the team, he appeared in 27 games, starting 21 of them.
LSU Statement on the Matter
LSU released a statement acknowledging that it was made aware of the allegations against Boutte in July 2023. The university has fully cooperated with the authorities throughout the investigation and will continue to do so. The statement emphasized the absence of evidence suggesting the involvement of other student-athletes in such prohibited activities.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Illegal Online Gambling
The arrest of Kayshon Boutte on charges related to illegal online gaming serves as a stark reminder of the strict regulations surrounding sports gambling and the severe consequences for those who engage in such illegal activities. The case highlights the importance of adhering to established laws and regulations, as the repercussions can be both legal and personal. As the legal proceedings unfold, the sports community awaits the outcome of this unfolding drama.