Kayshon Boutte's Gambling Arrest: Questions and Anwers

On Thursday, former LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte turned himself into authorities after an arrest warrant was issued for illegal gambling activities.

In news first reported by WAFB, Boutte was booked on one felony count of computer fraud and one misdemeanor count of gaming prohibited by persons under 21.

Boutte posted a $6,000 bond and was released from the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison shortly after booking.

Boutte’s arrest was the result of an investigation that began when FanDuel Sportsbook contacted Louisiana State Police in July 2023, informing authorities that “a prohibited person, a collegiate athlete, possibly made several sports wagers.”

The investigation revealed an account linked back to Boutte made more than 8,900 bets between April 2022 and May 2023. Boutte, who was part of the LSU program until January 2023, did not turn 21 until May 7, 2023, meaning all bets made before that date were illegal.

Here’s a look at some notable questions – and answers – following Boutte’s arrest, including what it means for the LSU football program.

LINK TO THE AFFIDAVIT FOR ARREST WARRANT

How did the investigation begin?

Boutte opened a FanDuel Sportsbook account in Massachusetts in June 2023, shortly after being drafted by the Patriots. FanDuel traced Boutte’s credit card to another account that was opened in April 2022, when Boutte was a minor and part of the LSU football team.

The arrest warrant stated Boutte opened the first account under the name “Kayla Fortenberry” with a credit card in his mother’s name, while using another person’s name and birthday. The affidavit found that 8,927 wagers were made between April 2022 and May 2023, when Boutte turned 21 years old. The investigation linked deposits made into the account back to Boutte’s bank card, and phone records revealed bets were placed from Boutte’s cell phone, including wagers made from inside the LSU football operations building, which further implicated the LSU wide receiver.

Was Boutte on the LSU football team while placing illegal bets?

Yes. Boutte did not announce his decision to enter the NFL Draft until January 2023, and he played the 2022 season for the Tigers. Boutte was sidelined for the bowl game matchup with Purdue for an unrelated suspension. Boutte was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

According to the affidavit, $100,939 was deposited into Boutte’s “Fortenberry” account in 2022, when Boutte was an LSU student-athlete. The account wagered $450,969.44 with $385,597.71 won on 1,520 bets. The investigation revealed much of the winnings were used to fund further bets. $35,235.20 was withdrawn from the account, which left the balance at $331.47 at the end of 2022.

Did Boutte bet on LSU games while on the team?

Yes. The affidavit states the account linked to Boutte bet on college football games 17 times between August 28, 2022 and May 17, 2023. That included six wagers on LSU during his time as a student-athlete. Two wagers involved Boutte directly during his time as a player. Boutte bet on himself to catch at least one touchdown and log more than 82.5 receiving yards vs. Florida State in the season opener on Sep. 4, 2022. The two wagers were part of an eight-leg parlay bet the day prior. Boutte didn’t hit either mark, finishing the FSU game with two catches for 20 yards and no touchdowns.

When did LSU find out about Boutte’s illegal gambling activities?

LSU released a statement on Thursday confirming the school was informed of the investigation in July 2023, the same month FanDuel Sportsbook alerted Louisiana State Police.

“In July 2023, LSU was made aware of allegations regarding a former student-athlete’s improper conduct related to sports gambling while enrolled at the University. Since then, we have fully cooperated with all relevant authorities involved in the investigation and will continue to do so. We have no evidence that any other student-athletes participated in these prohibited activities, and we are grateful for measures that detect and discourage sports gambling related misconduct.“

Were any other LSU football players or student-athletes involved?

The affidavit did not name any other LSU students or student-athletes as part of the six-month long investigation. LSU’s statement to the media said there has been “no evidence that any other student-athletes participated in these prohibited activities”.

What punishments will Boutte face?

Under Louisiana law, the maximum penalty for a misdemeanor charge of gaming under the age of 21 could involve a fine of up to $500 or a prison sentence of no more than six months. The maximum penalty for computer fraud, a felony, is up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000.

As for his NFL future, the outlook remains uncertain. The NFL suspends players for one season for betting on league games. If a player bets on his own team, the suspension increases to two seasons. If a player is found guilty of fixing a game for betting purposes, the penalty could result in a banishment from the league.

NFL players who bet on non-NFL games face a two-game suspension, if a first-time offender.

The arrest warrant and affidavit, which are centered around Boutte’s time gambling as a minor, did not state whether he wagered on NFL games during his rookie season this past fall.