Hingle McCringleberry was indeed aghast − and will apparently respond in kind.
After Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was hit with a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct following his second touchdown at Lambeau Field in Sunday’s 16-13 win over the Green Bay Packers, the man who brought the two-pump rule before the NFL’s competition committee − OK, not really − weighed in.
Actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, who portrayed McCringleberry, a fictional wide receiver in a famous ‘Key & Peele’ skit that mocked over-legislated football celebrations, posted the following on Instagram on Sunday evening:
‘Rico! Man, you got robbed − you only did two pumps,’ said a flabbergasted Key, tongue firmly placed in cheek.
‘I’m sorry, man. Now I’m gonna have to write a new sketch.’
Dowdle, surrounded by offensive teammates in the end zone, intentionally offered two thrusts after his score … but no more. Officials flagged him anyway, Dowdle leaving the field perplexed while holding up two fingers.
In the skit that launched him into the zeitgeist, McCringleberry, a rookie member of the ‘Rhinos,’ was repeatedly flagged for celebrating his touchdowns with three pumps − knowing he’d be free and clear by stopping at two.
‘From my understanding and everything I’ve learned, we go over stuff like this every week in the meeting room. I definitely think you’re supposed to get two pumps,’ Dowdle said following the game.
‘Hopefully, I don’t get a fine.’
(In case it wasn’t obvious, the NFL has no official rule spelling out how many pumps are or are not permissible.)
Dowdle’s infraction comes at a time when the league has been emphasizing good sportsmanship. Following the penalty, Carolina kicker Ryan Fitzgerald missed the lengthier extra-point try − a misfire that enabled the Packers to subsequently tie the game 13-13.
However Dowdle, who ran for 130 yards on the day, rumbled for 19 yards on Carolina’s final drive, setting up Fitzgerald for a game-winning 49-yard field goal at the gun.
‘I missed it. I am not going to touch on that,’ Panthers quarterback Bryce Young said.
‘We won, so I am grateful for that.’