Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle has been hit with a $14,491 fine following his post-touchdown celebration during the team’s 16-13 upset road win against the Green Bay Packers in Week 9. The celebration in question, which occurred after Dowdle scored his second touchdown at Lambeau Field, involved two pelvic pumps. While two pumps are generally understood to be permissible based on an old football-themed comedy sketch, Dowdle’s actions were ultimately deemed to violate the NFL’s unsportsmanlike conduct rules.

The fine has sparked a debate among NFL analysts about whether a flag was justified. Gene Steratore, CBS Sports rules analyst and former referee, referenced past instances, including a subtle pump in 2020 and similar moves by M. Stafford and a Los Angeles Rams player i

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