Overview
- Dowdle was fined $14,491 for an unsportsmanlike‑conduct celebration that referenced Key & Peele’s Hingle McCringleberry sketch, and his agent says they will appeal.
- He launched a GoFundMe on November 5 directing 100% of proceeds to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, with donations surpassing $44,000 within days.
- Keegan‑Michael Key and his wife, Elisa Pugliese, pledged $15,000 and Key appeared via video to the Panthers, a message head coach Dave Canales played for the team.
- Dowdle and the nonprofit scheduled a Friday news conference in North Carolina to present a check and discuss the effort.
- In the Panthers’ next game against the Saints, Dowdle faked the thrusts after a touchdown, nodding to the sketch without risking another penalty.