Kayshon Boutte, a wide receiver for the New England Patriots, will not face legal action for participating in illegal online gambling while he was underage and still playing for Louisiana State University, according to a prosecutor in Baton Rouge on Tuesday.
First Assistant District Attorney Tracey Barbera explained that the decision was influenced by Boutte completing a program focused on understanding the risks of gambling.
Barbera emphasized that Boutte did not place bets against himself or his team, and his actions did not cause financial harm to others.
“He could only control the outcome of a bet if he bet against himself,” Barbera told The Associated Press. “He could ensure a missed catch, but not a reception or touchdown.”
Additionally, Boutte agreed to a ban from gambling in Massachusetts and on online platforms like FanDuel and BET99.
“Considering his efforts to mitigate the situation, we do not think a felony prosecution is appropriate,” said Barbera, who also commended the Louisiana State Police for their investigation leading to the charges.
The NFL may still choose to take disciplinary action against Boutte, although specifics on that decision are currently unclear.
“We are monitoring the situation, which is still under review,” the NFL stated on Tuesday through spokesperson Brian McCarthy. “He remains eligible to participate in team activities.”
The New England Patriots declined to comment on Tuesday’s developments.
Boutte was arrested in January following accusations by state police that he had created an online betting account using a false identity and made numerous illegal wagers, including on NCAA and LSU games. One of the bets reportedly involved betting on himself during a game, violating state laws prohibiting bets placed by certain individuals.
