Kayshon Boutte: Scandal, Rumors, and Off-Field Issues — What We Know
Kayshon Boutte (born May 7, 2002) is an NFL wide receiver for the New England Patriots, drafted in the 6th round in 2023. He played college football at LSU from 2020 to 2022, where he had early breakout success, including a freshman record 308 receiving yards in a single game.
While his on-field talent has been widely acknowledged, Boutte has been subject to several controversies, rumors, and off-field issues. Let’s break them down — what’s factual, what’s speculative, and what still remains unclear.
Early Career & Expectations
Boutte entered LSU as a highly touted recruit. At Westgate High School (New Iberia, Louisiana), he was a standout, with 1,005 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in his senior year, along with over 800 rushing yards. He quickly made a name for himself in college, breaking out as a freshman with big games and showing elite speed and playmaking ability.
His early promise, however, was tempered by injury — notably a broken ankle in 2021 — and inconsistent play in subsequent years, which ultimately led him to declare early for the NFL draft, where he fell to the 6th round.
With the Patriots, Boutte has shown flashes of his ability, but also had to compete in a crowded WR room, which has put additional pressure on him to remain focused and off the field distractions-free.
The Gambling Allegations & Legal Proceedings
The most substantiated off-field issue surrounding Boutte relates to underage gambling and computer fraud allegations in Louisiana.
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In January 2024, Boutte was issued a warrant of arrest by Louisiana State Police for allegedly placing more than 8,900 online bets between April 2022 and May 2023.
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The charges included a felony count of computer fraud and a misdemeanor of gaming prohibited for persons under 21.
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Some of the wagers were reportedly on NCAA football games, including at least six on LSU games when he was a member of the team.
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Boutte reportedly used aliases/fictitious accounts (e.g. “kayla fortenberry” or others) to avoid detection, and even used a family member’s credit card for funding.
Response & Resolution
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Boutte turned himself in and cooperated with authorities.
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In July 2024, the state of Louisiana dropped all gambling and computer fraud charges.
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At the time, the NFL noted the matter was still under review, though there has been no public discipline announced.
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Boutte later publicly called his decision “dumb” and said it was a mistake he made when he was young, and emphasized he had no intention to repeat it.
Impact on Career
Although the legal charges were dropped, the episode did raise red flags about judgment, accountability, and maturity. Some analysts speculated whether the NFL might still impose internal discipline, but nothing public has been confirmed as of now.
In interviews, Boutte has said the matter is behind him and that he’s focused on football and professional development.
Other Rumors and “Scandals”
Beyond the gambling matter, Boutte has been the subject of various rumors and unverified claims. It is important to distinguish credible reporting from speculation.
The LSU “Sex Party” / Recruiting Staff Rumor
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One of the recurring rumors surfaced around a so-called sex party or misconduct during LSU’s Atlanta stay for a bowl or SEC Championship game. Some social media posts suggested that Boutte and members of the coaching or recruiting staff attended a party involving a recruiter.
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The rumor circulated widely on platforms like Old Row and Reddit in early 2023.
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However, credible sources including LSU and mainstream sports outlets have not substantiated these claims. FanSided, for example, pointed out that the rumor remains unverified.
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No formal investigation has been documented in credible media. Hence, it remains speculation or gossip rather than confirmed wrongdoing.
Reddit Threads & Speculative Commentary
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On Reddit (r/Patriots and others), there are threads referencing wild rumors — such as claims of an “orgy with a female recruiter” or other sexual improprieties. One user wrote:
“It is said that Boutte and several coaches were involved in an orgy with a female recruiter. In the aftermath, Boutte was asked not to return to LSU.”
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Another claimed that Boutte used fraudulent accounts for gambling (which is factual), but some Reddit comments blur legal reality and rumor.
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It’s worth noting Reddit is not a source of verified journalism; many of these threads are speculative, anecdotal, and lacking evidence.
Media Clarifications & Responses
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Some analysis sites have attempted to debunk or put into perspective these rumors. For example, the Fansided article on the “sex party rumor” clearly notes the lack of verifiable proof and that LSU did not confirm any such event.
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Boutte himself has not publicly addressed those sexual rumors or alleged misconduct beyond the gambling issue, leaving them unaddressed.
“247” and Recruiting / Transfer Rumours
The title mentions “247” — presumably referring to 247Sports, the recruiting & college football recruiting outlet. There has been some chatter on recruiting forums and social media about Boutte’s decision to declare for the draft early, his injury history, and transfer possibilities. But mainstream recruiting outlets like 247Sports have not published any investigative stories or exposés on Boutte related to scandal.
The key concerns from recruiting/transfer perspective have generally been:
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His injury setback (ankle injury)
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Consistency and maturity on and off the field
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The gamble (no pun intended) that teams take when picking a player with talent but possible off-field risk.
However, there’s no documented 247Sports article titled “Kayshon Boutte scandal” or similar, so the “247” portion in the article title seems more of a framing device for recruiting background rather than a specific known scandal. Kayshon Boutte off-field issues.
How Boutte Has Responded, Recovered & Moved On
After the gambling matter:
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Boutte publicly acknowledged his mistake, calling it a dumb decision and stating he would not gamble again.
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He has emphasized focusing on his professional responsibilities, training, and mental preparedness.
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From performance reports and media interviews, coaches and teammates have noted improvement in his attitude and commitment. While some reports mention that there were trade rumors (in preseason 2024) and competition for roster spots, coaches have spoken about his professionalism and improved focus.
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With charges dropped, Boutte has had the opportunity to continue participating in all team activities.
On the field, his progression has been under scrutiny — many analysts and fans expect more consistency, maturity, and refinement of his route-running, physicality, and leadership in coming years.
What the Rumors Mean — Wider Implications
When a player has rumors (verifiable or not) swirling around them, there are several consequences:
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Public Perception & Trust
Even unconfirmed rumors can erode fan trust and sponsor/endorser confidence. Teams may perceive a player as higher risk. -
NFL/Team Discipline Risk
While the gambling case was dropped, the NFL continues to review such matters. If new infractions arise, prior issues may influence disciplinary decisions. -
Internal Team Dynamics
A player with past controversies may need to prove reliability, maturity, leadership, and consistency to earn respect in the locker room, which can be an extra burden. -
Draft & Contract Value
Even as an established player, lingering doubts about off-field decision-making can affect future contracts, extensions, or trade value. -
Mental & Emotional Toll
Handling public scrutiny and rumors (even false ones) can be draining. Players often must invest in mental resilience, PR strategy, and personal discipline to push forward.
In Boutte’s case, while the gambling issue was real and addressed, the sexual rumors remain largely unsubstantiated. His best path forward has been to focus on his on-field performance and professional conduct — which he appears to be doing. Kayshon Boutte off-field issues.
What’s Next for Boutte
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Continued development: As of the 2024 season, Boutte posted decent numbers (e.g. 43 receptions, 589 yards, 3 touchdowns) and has been building chemistry with QB Drake Maye.
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Maintaining discipline: Staying clear of off-field distractions and continuing to show maturity will be key if he wants to cement his role and potentially earn a more significant contract.
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Reputation management: While the gambling case is behind him, he may want to proactively address any lingering rumors publicly to avoid distractions.
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Media scrutiny: As his role increases, expectations will rise and media may revisit past controversies. How he handles interviews, PR, and transparency could affect public perception. Kayshon Boutte off-field issues.
FAQs
Q1: What exactly were the gambling charges against Kayshon Boutte?
A: Boutte was accused by Louisiana State Police of placing over 8,900 online wagers between April 2022 and May 2023 while underage (i.e. before turning 21). Some bets were on NCAA football games, including at least six on LSU games while he was still on the team. He allegedly used alias/fictitious accounts and even a family member’s credit card to fund the betting accounts.
Q2: Were those charges ever resolved?
A: Yes. In July 2024, the state of Louisiana dropped all gambling and computer fraud charges against him.
Q3: Did the NFL suspend or discipline him for the gambling allegations?
A: As of publicly available information, no formal NFL suspension or league discipline has been announced. The NFL reportedly flagged the matter as under review at the time, but no public further action has been confirmed.
Q4: What about the rumors of a sex party or recruiter misconduct?
A: Those remain unverified rumors circulating mostly on social media forums (Reddit, Old Row etc.). There is no documented credible investigation, formal charges, or confirmations from LSU or the NFL. Mainstream media outlets that have looked into them have not found supporting evidence.
Q5: Has Kayshon Boutte addressed these rumors publicly?
A: He has publicly addressed the gambling case, calling it a mistake and saying he wouldn’t repeat it. However, he has not publicly addressed the sexual misconduct rumors or claims about recruiter involvement, at least in any major media outlet.
Q6: What is Kayshon Boutte doing now to stay focused?
A: According to media reports and interviews, Boutte is concentrating on his football career — practicing, preparing physically, studying film, and earning his opportunities on the field. Coaches have praised his professionalism and preparation in recent seasons. Kayshon Boutte off-field issues.
Conclusion
Kayshon Boutte is a talented young wide receiver with a lot of upside, but also with a few off-field clouds in his past. The most credible and substantiated issue remains the gambling and computer fraud allegations — a matter which has since been dismissed. Other rumors, such as alleged sexual misconduct or recruiter-related parties, remain unverified and speculative at best.
What matters going forward is how Boutte manages his profession, focus, and discipline. If he continues to let his performance speak louder than past distractions, he can carve out a strong, stable career in the NFL.
