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The Carolina Panthers still aren\u2019t sure about the penalty called on running back Rico Dowdle<\/strong> last weekend \u2014 so they asked the expert.<\/p>\n The team invited comedian Keegan-Michael Key<\/strong> to a team meeting on Saturday, November 8, to give the final determination<\/a> on whether or not Dowdle\u2019s questionable touchdown celebration should\u2019ve resulted in a penalty.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get an expert,\u201d Panthers head coach Dave Canales<\/strong> said to the team, before announcing the very special surprise appearance. \u201cCan we get Keegan-Michael Key to explain this to us?\u201d<\/p>\n Michael Key then appeared on a big screen in the front of the room, much to the surprise of the players.<\/p>\n \u201cI just want to say I\u2019m very honored that you would choose a Key and Peele<\/em> sketch for your celebration,\u201d Michael Key said. \u201cThe reason I\u2019m here is I wanted to share with you guys, especially with you Rico, is that I\u2019ve done my recent research and apparently, I guess the rules that are made up in a comedy sketch do not necessarily reflect the rules in the NFL.\u201d<\/p>\n Dowdle was called for unsportsmanlike conduct after his touchdown during a 16-13 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday November 2. After scoring, he celebrated with two hip thrusts \u2013 a nod to the famous Key & Peele<\/em> sketch from 2013. In the sketch, the player Hingle McCringleberry<\/strong>, portrayed by Michael Key, gets penalized for three hip thrusts, not just two.<\/p>\n Dowdle revealed that he was fined by the NFL for the celebration via social media after the game. Dowdle\u2019s agent, David Canter, said they would appeal the fine, which ESPN<\/em><\/a> reported came out to $14,491.<\/p>\n During the virtual visit, Michael Key did some math regarding the fine.<\/p>\n \u201c14,000 dollars for two pumps, so that\u2019s seven grand a pump,\u201d Michael Key said. \u201cThat means if you do zero pumps, then that would then cost you zero thousand dollars and a fine.\u201d<\/p>\n Michael Key originally responded to the penalty in an Instagram video<\/a> on Monday, November 3, making a joke about the penalty and the sketch.<\/p>\n \u201cRico, man you got robbed,\u201d Michael Key said in the video. \u201cYou only did two pumps. I\u2019m sorry man. Now I\u2019m going to have to write a new sketch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n Keegan-Michael Key and Rico Dowdle<\/span> Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n