Patriots’ Kayshon Boutte opens up on illegal gambling issues
FOXBORO — Kayshon Boutte is ready for some football.
The New England Patriots wide receiver is hoping to put his recent legal trouble in the rearview mirror, and keep it there, as he competes for a roster spot in 2024 training camp. Boutte was hit with illegal gambling charges in January, but they have since been dropped.
Speaking to reporters for the first time in training camp after practice on Sunday, Boutte addressed the situation publicly for the first time.
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“It was a dumb decision I made when I was young,” Boutte said. “It’s a process I had to go through. Unfortunately it happened, but it’s life, you know? And, now it’s behind us, and we’re just focused on football.”
Boutte originally faced charges of underage gambling and computer fraud, stemming from accusations by the Louisiana State Police that he used an alias to place dozens of illegal wagers, mostly during his time at LSU. The illegal gambling was also alleged to have taken place for about a week after the Patriots drafted Boutte in 2023.
Boutte added that he hasn’t heard from anybody in the NFL league offices about his situation on any possible supplemental discipline. The second-year pro also vowed to never gamble again, even though the league does allow players to bet on non-NFL events when they’re away from team or league facilities.
“I just feel like I need to stay away from it,” Boutte said. “It’s not like I’m addicted or nothing, but it’s just something I need to let go. I wouldn’t try it again, knowing something worse could come from it. You live and you learn. Like coach [Jerod Mayo] says, you don’t want to make the same mistake twice.”
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Boutte is tangled in a deep wide receiver group with uncertainty as far as who makes the roster at the bottom of the depth chart. Rookies Ja’Lynn Polk (second round) and Javon Baker (fourth round) are in. Kendrick Bourne, while still absent from practice as he works his way back from a torn ACL, signed a new three-year deal with the Patriots in the off-season. DeMario “Pop” Douglas has been a limited participant, but should be safe for a roster spot after an impressive rookie season.
Beyond those four, the Pats have one, possibly two openings on the roster at receiver. That’s where Boutte is competing with incumbent JuJu Smith-Schuster, off-season addition K.J. Osborn, third-year pro Tyquan Thornton, veteran Jalen Reagor, second-year pro Kawaan Baker, and undrafted rookies David Wallis and JaQuae Jackson.
Wide receiver remains one of the top roster battles to watch at Patriots training camp. We’ll continue to have full coverage here at 985TheSportsHub.com.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
