Boutte still could face punishment by the NFL, however
The state of Louisiana dropped its charges against New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, his attorney told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
Boutte, who turned himself in Jan. 25, previously was charged with both underage gambling and computer fraud.
The 22-year-old still could face punishment from the NFL after the league opened its own investigation into Boutte’s gambling not long after his arrest.
The Boston Herald previously reported Boutte’s alleged gambling stretched from April 2022 to May 2023, shortly after the Patriots selected him in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Boutte put more than $130,000 into his gambling account and won $556,267.58, but primarily used his winnings to make other bets, according to the Herald.
Boutte took part in Patriots’ organized team activities and mandatory minicamp this offseason. He will need to impress during training camp, which starts July 24, in order to earn a roster spot in a receiver room headlined by Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker and Demario Douglas.
Boutte was limited to two receptions for 19 yards in five games last season, playing 35% of offensive snaps.