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More exposure of UB.com pro Phil Hellmuth is just what the poker world needs. In recent days, Hellmuth potentially dropped a bombshell by Tweeting 23 simple words: “OMG! Phil Hellmuth (me!) on ‘Dancing with the Stars!’ Outrageous! Might make a fool out of myself on worldwide television one more time.”

ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” is entering its 12th season, which is set to hit television airwaves in the beginning of 2011. The series is fresh off crowning actress Jennifer Gray as its 11th champion. Gray’s film credits include “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” in which she played Jeanie Bueller, and “Dirty Dancing.” The latter film, released in the late 1980s, saw Gray play the role of Baby Houseman opposite the late Patrick Swayze.

The eclectic “Dancing with the Stars” Season 11 cast also included Bristol Palin, the daughter of former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin whose teenage pregnancy divided a nation two years ago. Palin was the third place finisher last season. Former NFL star Kurt Warner, who won Super Bowl XXXIV as a member of the St. Louis Rams, was the eighth contestant eliminated. The runner-up last season went to Kyle Massey, who has starred in a variety of roles on the Disney Channel.

Tom Bergeron serves as the host of “Dancing with the Stars” and whether Hellmuth will be calling him an “Idiot from Northern Massachusetts” remains to be seen. The Tweet was the only one Hellmuth dropped about the reality series. Then, the “Poker Brat” quickly turned to the world of sports betting from the recently completed Week 15 of the NFL season, Tweeting, “I bet Jon Green’s pick of year: Cleveland (+1.5) over Cincy. I bet Indy (-4.5) over Jack, NOrleans (+3) over Balt, + Phili (+3) over NYGiants.”

On TwoPlusTwo, the vast majority of posters appeared to be opposed to Hellmuth serving as an ambassador for the game in a mainstream television series. However, one poster came to the UB.com pro’s side, explaining, “Actually, this is great news. ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is very popular and Hellmuth could possibly attract new players or have viewers curious about poker.” Another member of the poker community asserted, “I’ve never went out of my way to watch the show, but I might check it out to see Phil make a fool of himself; plus, the people who say they won’t are just lying.”

Despite multiple media outlets asserting that Hellmuth’s Tweet means he’s a lock for “Dancing with the Stars,” let’s not get ahead of ourselves yet. The Season 11 finale aired one month ago; the cast for the new cycle has not yet been announced, but is apparently due out in January.

In the meantime, several poker industry icons chimed in on Twitter about Hellmuth’s potential leak. Tournament Director Matt Savage remarked, “I’d rather wear Abe Vigoda’s underwear on my head than watch Phil Hellmuth on ‘Dancing With the Stars.’” We’ll just have to wait and see.

“Dancing with the Stars” debuted in 2005 and teams mainstream celebrities with professional dancers. Past winners have included Kelly Monaco, Drew Lachey, Emmitt Smith, Apolo Ohno, Helio Castroneves, Kristi Yamaguchi, Brooke Burke, Shawn Johnson, Donny Osmond, and Nicole Scherzinger.

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