• by Fern Siegel , April 9, 2007

The sports-talk category just got a little bigger. BET new series "Ballers," launching April 20, mixes sports, humor and opinion. The new prime-time show is hosted by four-time NBA World Champion John Salley, three-time NFL Pro Bowler Hugh Douglas and comedian Guy Torry. The atmosphere is being touted as an after-hours club "party vibe."

"Ballers" will address any sports topic hitting the news that week, but the talk promises to be loud and raucous. Special features include: Dumb Play of the Week; the bullsh*t flag and gossip in the girls' booth. It also features Claudia Jordan from "Deal or No Deal" as co-host.

"This show brings a new type of sports program to BET, due to its broad appeal," said Reginald Hudlin, president of BET entertainment, pointing to its comedic elements as a draw for non-sports fans.

However, for sports lovers, the cast's credentials should enhance commentary. Salley, a BET vet, had an 86-episode run as the host of "BET Live." He's noted for being the first NBA player to win the championship starting for three different teams. Douglas was voted NFL defensive rookie of the year and played for the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2006, Douglas became an NBC studio analyst for NBC, covering the Arena Football League.

"Ballers" is created by two Emmy winners: Tony McCuin, who launched 20 shows at Fox Sports Network and worked on ESPN's "SportsCenter," and John Johnston, who currently serves as senior supervising producer for "Extra."