Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was fined Wednesday for doing two pelvic thrusts after scoring a touchdown last weekend, disproving a supposed NFL rule demonstrated years ago in a sketch on the “Key & Peele” comedy show.
Dowdle confirmed on social media that he was fined. The amount wasn’t announced, but ESPN and NBA Sports reported that it was $14,491.
Dowdle broke out the pelvic thrusts after his 1-yard touchdown in the third quarter gave the Panthers a 13-6 lead over the host Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The ensuing 15-yard penalty pushed back the extra point, which was missed, but Carolina went on to win 16-13.
In the “Key & Peele” sketch, Hingle McCringleberry, played by series co-star Keegan Michael Key, was penalized three times for triple-pelvic-thrust celebrations after touchdowns for a fictional NFL team, the Rhinos. The main joke of the skit is that the referee, played by series co-star Jordan Peele, wouldn’t throw the flag for a two-pump celebration, but a three-pump celebration was penalty-worthy.
After seeing Dowdle get flagged on Sunday, Key responded in a social-media post: “Rico! Man, you got robbed — you only did two pumps. I’m sorry, man. Now I’m gonna have to write a new sketch.”
Carolina coach Dave Canales said on Sunday, “We’ve got to make sure that we understand the rules. I might have to call up Keegan-Michael Key to get clarification on that part of it, but from what I understand, any kind of movement that way, any weapons, or all that stuff is going to get flagged. We’ve got to be smarter about that.”
Dowdle attempted to turn the fine into a positive by seeking donations for charity.
“After much thought I’ve launched a GoFundMe for my fines,” Dowdle posted on X. “Key said I got three pumps but I guess the NFL disagrees.
“Actually, 100% of what is raised through this fundraiser will be sent to 56-Children’s Home Society of North Carolina. Children’s Home Society promotes the right of every child to a permanent, safe, and loving family. They specialize in education and prevention programs, family preservation, and adoption and foster care. Let’s raise some money.”
