Utah [Next-Gen]: A report out of Utah’s Standard-Examiner says that Layton resident Kolton Mahoney, 14, received a new, factory-sealed copy of Madden NFL 07 for Xbox 360 from his uncle on Christmas.

When he fired up EA’s hit football game in his new Xbox 360, instead of seeing wholesome pigskin action, Mahoney saw an image of hardcore skin-rubbing action. He let his parents know immediately, who were described as “equally shocked” by the content.

Next-Gen contacted EA to get its take on the matter (a matter which seems too weird to be true). The company is aware of the issue and taking it seriously. Corporate communications director Tammy Schachter says that the mega-publisher is working with the retailer where the game was purchased “to investigate what happened.”

“We regret any embarrassment or inconvenience this has caused the family,” Schachter said in an e-mail. “This game was first released in August 06 and has sold more than 5 million copies. We have received no similar complaints about this game.”

The copy of Madden NFL 07 in question was purchased at a Circuit City in Modesto, California on December 2. The game was reportedly legit-looking, complete with the aforementioned factory seal as well as an embossed Madden NFL 07 label on the disc.

The issue is no laughing matter to authorities, as Utah’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Layton police and California authorities are on the case.

The Mahoneys are seeking no financial settlement, just a guarantee that it won’t happen again.