Dancing With the Stars pro dancer Mark Ballas admitted Sunday that even if he was paired up with someone like Paula Deen next season, he would not be able to protest, even if he wanted to.

Ballas' admission comes amid rumors that the troubled celebrity chef would be joining the cast of the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars.

"We don't have the say or the prerogative to have a problem," Ballas told TMZ Sunday. "For us, that's our job. You get paid to do it and do as you're told."

Ballas did not reveal whether or not he supported Deen and her current legal and ethical troubles, but said that even if he didn't, he wouldn't be allowed to "put up a fight."

Watch the TMZ video with Ballas here:

Enstars previously reported that pro dancer Cheryl Burke said that she would love to have Deen on the show next season.

"I think you'd probably see a different side of her, and I think she would be a great addition to the cast," Burke told ET Canada on July 16. "I think coming on something light and fun would be something good for her."

Deen said in April 2010 that Dancing With the Stars' producers asked her to be on the show, but she turned it down.

"They did ask me and I said no," she told Extra at the time. "Fat girls don't look good sweating!" She cited her "catfish arms" and "muffin top" as reasons she turned down the offer.

It is unknown whether Deen will have a change of heart, now that she's been dropped from her role as the celebrity spokesperson for numerous companies, including Target, Walmart and her Food Network cooking show.

As of Monday, there have not been any celebrities confirmed for Season 17 of Dancing With the Stars. The cast is traditionally announced about one month before the season premiere, which means details should be released to the public in mid to late August.

Season 17 of Dancing With the Stars will premiere on Monday, Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Tags
Dancing with the Stars, Mark Ballas, Paula Deen