Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle has been fined by the NFL for an “excessive celebration” involving two pelvic thrusts after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

The 27-year-old was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, resulting in a 15-yard penalty that pushed back the extra-point attempt. Although the kick was missed, the Panthers still secured a 16-13 win thanks to a last-second field goal.

According to ESPN, Dowdle was fined $14,491 (£11,095) — reflecting the league’s strict enforcement of celebration rules.

Key & Peele Sketch Resurfaces After Call

The penalty sparked renewed interest in a viral 2013 Key & Peele comedy sketch, in which a fictional referee calls a flag for a ‘three-pump’ pelvic thrust celebration, implying two thrusts were acceptable.

In reality, the NFL’s rules prohibit “prolonged or excessive celebrations,” including taunting or simulated violent gestures. That includes pelvic thrusts, even if limited to two.

Comedian Keegan-Michael Key reacted to the news on social media, saying:

“Rico! Man, you got robbed — you only did two pumps. I’m sorry, man. Now we’re gonna have to write a new sketch.”

Panthers Head Coach Weighs In

Carolina head coach Dave Canales acknowledged the need for clarity within the team, saying:

“We’ve got to make sure that we understand the rules. I might have to call up Keegan-Michael Key to get clarification. Any kind of movement that way is going to get flagged. We’ve got to be smarter.”

Dowdle, now in his sixth NFL season, has 14 career touchdowns and remains a key offensive player for the Panthers.