If you were banking to see former UB.com pro Phil Hellmuth on the 12th cycle of the ABC reality series “Dancing with the Stars,” then you might have to wait a little longer. This week, while in transit to Dallas for the Super Bowl and dropping names like they were molten lava, Hellmuth addressed the rumors that he’d be part of the new season of “Dancing with the Stars,” which premieres next month.
The “Poker Brat” Tweeted, “I took dancing lessons for a week (“1-2, 1-2-3, 1-2, 1-2-3, 1-2”); Thought I was going to be on ‘Dancing with the Stars!’ I had a few skillz!” What “skillz” the 11-time bracelet winner have may remain a mystery for a while, but the new “Dancing with the Stars” cast will be revealed at the end of February. Hellmuth, however, seemed to cast a doubt on whether he’d actually be on the show.
The rumor mill was churning in full force a month ago, when Hellmuth’s agent, Brian Balsbaugh, cryptically Tweeted, “If you think @Phil_Hellmuth is great TV, you’re gonna love 2011.” Balsbaugh’s Tweet followed a 23-word one sent by Hellmuth a few weeks earlier that set the poker world on fire: “OMG! Phil Hellmuth (me!) on ‘Dancing with the Stars!’ Outrageous! Might make a fool out of myself on worldwide television one more time.”
The weather in Dallas, the site of Super Bowl XLV, has been anything but kind to Hellmuth and the thousands of football fans descending upon the Cowboys Stadium for Sunday’s match up between the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers. On Thursday night, another five inches of snow poured on top of an already crippled city, causing American Airlines, which is based in Dallas, to cancel over 6,000 flights.
Rather than grab a shovel, Hellmuth chose to gawk at Mother Nature’s bidding, Tweeting on Friday, “Accidents everywhere; Driving on freeway in Dallas, tons of cars littering shoulder! On way to ‘Big Game Big Give’ hosted by Troy Aikman.” Hellmuth was also scheduled to attend Adrian Peterson’s All-In Celebrity Poker Tournament, but the event was canceled due to the weather.
Prior to heading to Texas, Hellmuth had been competing in a high-stakes home game in California. He explained over Twitter, “Playing No Limit Hold’em in San Fran right now at @davidsacks house in my regular game + winning! No one will let me Tweet out their name!” He later updated his 58,000 rabid followers on his financial situation: “Yes! Finally booked a win in my home game, was down $27,000 after 4 plays playing w/Team Owners, Billionaires, + Celebs. Won $12,000 tonight.” Rough life.
Hellmuth seemed to be all about Charity in Dallas. In two weeks, he’ll be hosting the Raise Your Hand for Africa charity poker tournament benefiting the Starkey Hearing Foundation, but got a head start on the project this week. Hellmuth Tweeted, “At Atkinson Convo Center at Dallas Stadium fitting kids w hearing aids w Starkey Hearing Foundation. Giving away tons of $1,700 hearing aids!”
The former WSOP Main Event champ also partied it up with KISS front man Gene Simmons: “MC’d Gene Simmons Charity poker tournament at Centennial Hall at Fair Park then hit Adrian Peterson’s party at Za Za Hotel – Adrian is a chill guy!”
We’ll keep you posted on the latest Hellmuth gossip right here on Poker News Daily.
