FOXBORO, Mass. — It would’ve been easy for Kayshon Boutte to swat away questions about the gambling charges that loomed over his head for much of the offseason. With the charges recently dropped, the second-year New England Patriots receiver could’ve left the past in the past and focused on football.
Instead, while speaking with reporters after Sunday’s practice, Boutte struck an impressive balance between owning up to his mistakes and moving forward. He said just enough, but not too much. And it all came after the 2023 sixth-round pick turned in yet another solid day of practice.
Details of Kayshon Boutte’s Gambling Controversy
In January, Boutte turned himself in on charges of Computer Fraud (felony) and Gaming Prohibited for Persons under 21 (misdemeanor). He was accused of committing the crimes during his LSU career and continuing to bet for roughly a week after being drafted.
Boutte allegedly used an alias to circumvent Louisiana’s age requirement for sports betting and placed nearly 9,000 wagers, including some on LSU games. He was never accused of betting on NFL games after entering the league.
The charges loomed over Boutte throughout the offseason and cast doubt on his future with the Patriots. But the charges were dropped in mid-July, and there hasn’t been any indication that the NFL could punish the 22-year-old.
That said, the situation remains “under review” by the league, so Boutte might not be totally out of the water.
Boutte Discussed the Issue After Day 4 of Patriots Training Camp
Boutte was asked about the controversy early and often during Sunday afternoon’s media availability. To his credit, he said all the right things.
“I’ll just say it was a dumb decision on me when I was young,” Boutte said. “It’s a process I had to go through. Unfortunately, it happened. But it’s life. Now it’s behind us. And we’re focused on football.”
On the charges behind dropped, Boutte added: “It’s only football from here. It feels good not thinking about what’s going to happen every day. Just coming out and playing free.”
Kayshon Boutte on the gambling charges, which were dropped:
"It was a dumb decision I made when I was young."
Said he needs to "let go" of gambling and that he isn't addicted. Also said he's glad the situation is behind him, and hasn't heard from the NFL about any punishment pic.twitter.com/htB0rXsuHa
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandall) July 28, 2024
Boutte declined to reveal why the charges were dropped but said he intends to avoid sports betting in the future.
“I just feel like I need to stay away from it,” he said. “It’s not like I’m really addicted or nothing, but it’s just something I need to let go. I wouldn’t try it again, knowing that something worse could come of it. Like you live and you learn. Like Coach (Jerod Mayo) say, you don’t want to make the same mistake twice.”
Most, if not all, of Boutte’s bets were placed on college football. Will it be hard to resist the urge to bet once the college season starts?
“No, I think I’m good,” he said.
Boutte also credited Mayo for helping him through a difficult situation.
“I’ll just say it’s good having a coach knowing how you feel about a certain situation and just letting you know everything’s OK,” Boutte said.
Is Boutte Having a Good Camp?
Boutte’s an interesting player to evaluate.
On the one hand, since joining the Patriots last year, he hasn’t looked like the player who dominated at LSU in 2020 and 2021. On the other hand, he’s improved significantly and is a consistently solid practice performer.
Boutte, who excelled against the Green Bay Packers in joint practices last summer, often takes his game to a higher level in team drills. He might never be a top receiver in the NFL, but he’s a solid possession receiver with upside and more big-play ability than some of the players at the bottom of New England’s wideout depth chart.
Just look at this play from Sunday’s 1-on-1 drills, and Boutte’s explanation:
Drake Maye with a BOMB to Kayshon Boutte on Christian Gonzalez 🔥
Patriots Coverage Powered by @Gametime @PrizePicks pic.twitter.com/4P46OMxT7T
— Patriots on CLNS Media (@PatriotsCLNS) July 28, 2024
WATCH: Kayshon Boutte makes big catch over Christian Gonzalez from Drake Maye at Pats training camp pic.twitter.com/ELYOF3Kj6C
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) July 28, 2024
The Patriots typically break camp with five receivers on the 53-man roster, though they occasionally roll with six.
Let’s say that DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, Kendrick Bourne, and K.J. Osborn are roster locks. That would leave one spot potentially up for grabs, although a second could open if Bourne (ACL rehab) begins the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
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Boutte is battling with Jalen Reagor, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Tyquan Thornton. If we had to rank them right now, we’d go: 1.) Reagor; 2.) Boutte; 3.) Thornton; and 4.) Smith-Schuster. (Yes, Smith-Schuster has been that underwhelming.)
Ultimately, it will come down to what the Patriots want. If they want speed and big-play potential, they might go with Reagor and/or Thornton. If they just want someone who can get open and catch the ball consistently, Boutte might get the nod.
Regardless, Boutte is doing everything he can to earn a roster spot, including handling his off-field business like a professional.