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.

Panthers coach Dave Canales address it Monday, seeming to give Dowdle a pass in the aftermath of a win.

“We’ve got to be smarter in that situation,” Canales said.

“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.”

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."

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stunned Keegan-Michael Key responds to Panthers RB Rico Dowdle's two-pump penalty

Reporting by Nate Davis, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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