Overview
- Boutte says his betting spiraled at LSU after an ankle injury, costing him about $90,000 and leading to rock-bottom moments he details in the essay.
- He writes that becoming a father and returning to the field helped him stop, and he credits the Patriots for staying with him through early struggles.
- Louisiana charges from January 2024 tied to underage gambling and fraud were dropped in July 2024 after a gambling awareness program and self-exclusion agreements, with investigators finding no bets against himself or LSU.
- Massachusetts regulators and treatment leaders praised his disclosure and highlighted tools such as self-exclusion, budgeting controls, and helplines as key safeguards.
- After a 2025 breakout season with 33 catches for 551 yards and six touchdowns, he is preparing for Sunday’s playoff game against the Chargers and was added to the injury report Thursday with a hamstring issue.