Oregon Powerball winners deny making demands for interviews

Nov 14, 2005, 9:48 am (62 comments)

Powerball

The Powerball jackpot winners from Southern Oregon say they have been unfairly portrayed in the national media.

The claim came after The New York Post reported that Steve and Carolyn West of Medford and Bob and Frances Chaney of Jacksonville demanded amenities such as a private jet, Broadway tickets and a limousine tour in exchange for an exclusive interview on the NBC "Today" show. The two couples won a record $340 million Powerball jackpot on Oct. 19.

But a spokesman for the family told the Medford Mail-Tribune newspaper that the Wests and the Chaneys were just inquiring about protocol for appearing on a national television show, something they'd never done before.

"That's what it was, it was asking 'What do you do? Do you do this? Do you do that? We didn't know," the spokesman said Friday. "Is that asking for things? Is it demanding things?

The lottery winners are scheduled to appear Monday on "Good Morning America," an ABC network representative said.

The family spokesman, who declined to be identified, said correspondence from the marketing director for the multi-state firm that runs Powerball games was leaked to the Post, perhaps in retribution after the Wests and Chaneys decided to appear on the ABC show.

Bob Chaney, seated, is joined by, from background left, his wife, Frances Chaney; son-in-law, Steve West; and daughter, Carolyn West; as they hold a ceremonial $340 million Powerball check at the Oregon Lottery Commission.
Bob Chaney, seated, is joined by, from background left, his wife, Frances Chaney; son-in-law, Steve West; and daughter, Carolyn West; as they hold a ceremonial $340 million Powerball check at the Oregon Lottery Commission.

 

 

AP

Comments

RJOh's avatarRJOh

I saw that story on the Internet and included it in one of my post.  I guess it's better for lottery winners to just collect their money and say nothing or as little as possible.

delS

This family is going to learn the hard way, that keeping their mouth's shut and going on with their lives is the best thing to do.  They are amatuers and need to stay out of the media attention.  The media loves a news story, and then they love eating the story elements/people and spitting them out! 

Chewie

Two groups you don't want on your front lawn.  The News Media and The United States Government.

ayenowitall's avatarayenowitall

Why would the winners of a $340,000,000 jackpot have to lower themselves to trying to hustle freebies for an interview? Something about that just doesn't ring true to me. With time, I think the Wests and Chaneys will learn to keep their words and actions more and more private. There's nothing positive that the media can do for them.

aye'

delS

Ayenowital-

I am with you.  This is a sad indictment for a group that has come into that amount of money.  To lower yourself to inquire about freebies says a lot about a persons values. 

Buy your own damn plane, your own studio for that matter if you love the spotlight so. 

We are all going to forget Jack Whitaker shortly.  This is the group that can't shoot straight, the keystone cops, the list goes on. 

DoubleDown

The only 'interview' I would do is the initial press conference and move on from there. I would be in Vegas blowing some of the $$  by now..........

What do they have to offer that is so compelling to warrant an interview on the networks ? They had the lucky ticket. After that, who cares ? 

Here is what it will be like---

Katie: How did you win this ?

The Wests and Chaney's: We bought a quick pick

Katie: Is this going to change your lives?

The Wests and Chaney's : No, we will still have a $20 limit on Christmas gifts.

Katie: Are you enjoying New York ?

The Wests and Chaney's ? Not really....too fast for us..

Katie: OK folks, thanks for playing our little game.....back to you Matt....

Matt, are you awake ???

 

delS

lololololololololo

Chewie

You go after freebies, because that is what all people with money do.  Remember, celebrities never go any where without a reward involved.  Tom Cruise is worth 10 times what these people won, and he doesn't cross the street without reimbursement.  His promotion budget for War of the Words was $10 million; thats money in his pocket.  The CMA's are tomorrow, every single presenter gets paid to be there - and a goodie bag worth thousands of dollars. 

These people should fly to NYC and give free interviews, when those benefiting from the interview are making money and publicity on it?  No way.  The networks want you for rating purposes, and ratings means money in pocket of every one associated with the network.  Two months ag, the networks couldn't have cared less if these people died in a freeway accident.  Now they should pay a portion of their profits from the interview.

I win, and every conversation would have a price.  Just like Clinton, Oprah, and the rest of them.  You don't get to keep money by giving away opportunities to make more.

ayenowitall's avatarayenowitall

Actually, my point was that I don't believe the winners made any such demands, but who really knows?

I've watched a number of interviews with lottery jackpot winners and they've all been rather boring. What's to be said? They got lucky. They won a huge amount of money. Now, they can buy most anything they want. They either keep on working or they don't work any more. That's pretty much the long and short of it. I wouldn't do anything to draw any added attention to myself.

aye'

delS

Chewie-

The Clinton's, Oprah, Tom Cruise - these people are not.  They are veterans and part of the entertainment world.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, people who are average working class people that want to play that entertainment game, they have to deal with the upside and the downside of playing. 

$114,000,000 I can create my own world and the rules that govern it. 

Todd's avatarTodd

From delS: The Clinton's, Oprah, Tom Cruise - these people are not.

Thank God for that.  I think the world can only take one of each of those people!

 

delS

lolololololo

tg636

If the winner is not going to collect under an anonymous trust, probably the best thing to do is submit to one print interview, be as boring as possible and end it there. But what is the purpose of most interviews with the rich and famous?  Usually they are hustling a book, movie, CD, their brand name a la Trump or Martha Stewart or some type of money making product.  No one except a lottery winner does interviews where the main question is how it feels to have all that money. A lottery winner already has all the money they will ever get, and there is no real gain for them to do an interview except the thrill of being on TV, but they can look dumb because of their nervousness and inexperience. They have no need to advertise themselves unless they want to attract more kooks than they already get.   

 

 

 

 

Prob988

Actually, my point was that I don't believe the winners made any such demands, but who really knows?

I've watched a number of interviews with lottery jackpot winners and they've all been rather boring. What's to be said? They got lucky. They won a huge amount of money. Now, they can buy most anything they want. They either keep on working or they don't work any more. That's pretty much the long and short of it. I wouldn't do anything to draw any added attention to myself.

aye'

The boring winners are the smart ones.

In New Jersey one must appear at a news conference.  The less one actually says at such a conference the better.

We had some people in this area win $213 million (annuity) in Powerball.  We never hear anything about them.  So much the better for them.

 

 

four4me

If I won and was so inclined to do these interviews glob trot, etc., then there going to foot the bill too. They should be paying me for appearing and all the perks that go with it. It's them that are seeking ratings. So why should I pay for anything..... they had every right to ask for the things they did. Demand no but asking questions and getting reliable answers is very important. Suppose they said we'll pay for you flight and a place to stay and you said ok without asking questions and you end up staying in some flea bag hotel on 148th street.

UmBrook

If I won and was so inclined to do these interviews glob trot, etc., then there going to foot the bill too. They should be paying me for appearing and all the perks that go with it. It's them that are seeking ratings. So why should I pay for anything..... they had every right to ask for the things they did. Demand no but asking questions and getting reliable answers is very important. Suppose they said we'll pay for you flight and a place to stay and you said ok without asking questions and you end up staying in some flea bag hotel on 148th street.

"you end up staying in some flea bag hotel on 148th street." These yahoos just won over 300 million.....one word....UPGRADE.

bellyache's avatarbellyache

If I won and was so inclined to do these interviews glob trot, etc., then there going to foot the bill too. They should be paying me for appearing and all the perks that go with it. It's them that are seeking ratings. So why should I pay for anything..... they had every right to ask for the things they did. Demand no but asking questions and getting reliable answers is very important. Suppose they said we'll pay for you flight and a place to stay and you said ok without asking questions and you end up staying in some flea bag hotel on 148th street.

Usually when you go on a talk show and they pay for your room, you do not end up staying in some flea bag hotel.

Chewie

If you don't ask, you don't get.  BTW - they don't have millions.  Not for a couple of more weeks.

doodles

Just give one press conference and be done with it. Why subject yourself to be opened to every lunatic out there.

Chewie

Just give one press conference and be done with it. Why subject yourself to be opened to every lunatic out there.

Because of the spotlight. 

Besides, the "lunatic" already knows everything they need to know.  They had weeks to figure it out.

It is the disillusioned you have to worry about.  Based on news events, cousin Harry is more dangerous then John Gotti.

libra926

HAPPY MONDAY....DOUBLE DOWN:........11/14

Your "Satirical and Faceous "  interview between Katie Couric & the Chaney/West Family is Hillarious...........I can't stop.....LOLOLOLOOLOLOLOL.......

libra926

""you end up staying in some flea bag hotel on 148th street." These yahoos just won over 300 million.....one word....UPGRADE."

HEY "UP"......Does that also include Christmas Gifts tooooooo?????????LOLOLOLOLOLOLTurkey

fxsterling

the guy from id             his light is out    jacks almost gone  we need a new  look          a big winner  and if it was me i would ask for payment of my time  you have to work it

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Ayenowital-

I am with you.  This is a sad indictment for a group that has come into that amount of money.  To lower yourself to inquire about freebies says a lot about a persons values. 

Buy your own damn plane, your own studio for that matter if you love the spotlight so. 

We are all going to forget Jack Whitaker shortly.  This is the group that can't shoot straight, the keystone cops, the list goes on. 

Yes that is exactly what I am going to do. In fact after I build my own studio, I am also going to be airing my own TV show every day so that no one will ever forget me. It will be called "I won the huge jackpot and you didn't." Followed by multiple tatoos all over my body "PowerBall winner!" "It is bad to be you!" Etc...


Ok maybe not...

KyMystikal's avatarKyMystikal

The only 'interview' I would do is the initial press conference and move on from there. I would be in Vegas blowing some of the $$  by now..........

What do they have to offer that is so compelling to warrant an interview on the networks ? They had the lucky ticket. After that, who cares ? 

Here is what it will be like---

Katie: How did you win this ?

The Wests and Chaney's: We bought a quick pick

Katie: Is this going to change your lives?

The Wests and Chaney's : No, we will still have a $20 limit on Christmas gifts.

Katie: Are you enjoying New York ?

The Wests and Chaney's ? Not really....too fast for us..

Katie: OK folks, thanks for playing our little game.....back to you Matt....

Matt, are you awake ???

 

lmaooooo too funny

jeffrey's avatarjeffrey

15 minutes of fame. Why do you people care what these people get and don't get. It is their business. Sheesh, people are nosey and jealous. Try to be happy for them and hope for yourselves.

kruby

Forgive my ignorance, but I've only recently started playing Powerball...............so for those of you who are more knowledgeable of the rules of Powerball, please answer me this..................just how many interviews/ press conferences, etc. are jackpot winners required to do, in order to fulfill their media schmoozing obligations enough to satisfy lottery headquarter officals? Is it just the initial "coming forth" press conference where you see the officials giving the jackpot winner(s) the gigantic fake check or are there additional appearances that are required?

What got me wondering was the variety of comments/answers on this board regarding what you would do if you won. Some of you say you would hardly tell anything, and some of you would go for your 15 minutes of fame and whatever freebies you could get with it.

Me personally, I'm a quiet person, who works in a job where details need to be kept confidential. Therefore, I am used to having to keep things to myself and by nature, I avoid the spotlight and bringing any attention to myself at all cost. So if all that is required of a jackpot winner is to come forth, take a few pictures with the lottery commission honchos and get on with your life.........that'd be me!

Prob988

Forgive my ignorance, but I've only recently started playing Powerball...............so for those of you who are more knowledgeable of the rules of Powerball, please answer me this..................just how many interviews/ press conferences, etc. are jackpot winners required to do, in order to fulfill their media schmoozing obligations enough to satisfy lottery headquarter officals? Is it just the initial "coming forth" press conference where you see the officials giving the jackpot winner(s) the gigantic fake check or are there additional appearances that are required?

What got me wondering was the variety of comments/answers on this board regarding what you would do if you won. Some of you say you would hardly tell anything, and some of you would go for your 15 minutes of fame and whatever freebies you could get with it.

Me personally, I'm a quiet person, who works in a job where details need to be kept confidential. Therefore, I am used to having to keep things to myself and by nature, I avoid the spotlight and bringing any attention to myself at all cost. So if all that is required of a jackpot winner is to come forth, take a few pictures with the lottery commission honchos and get on with your life.........that'd be me!

It depends on the state in which you win.

In New Jersey you must attend one press conference.  Nowhere does it say you have to say something.

In Delaware (Powerball) you can remain totally anonymous.

 

kruby

Thanks for the info.............I live in Pennsylvania and no doubt in true Pennsylvania style, you'd probably be obligated to suffer through the maximum of obligations!!!  Another question then......................what is this thing about being able to collect through an anonymous trust? How does that work and is that offered in every state or is that something else that depends on which state you live in as well?

MPJO



Maybe Jack Whittaker will make a special guest appearance and
give the new Powerball winners some advice.

Now I know where Kellogs got the idea for Fruit Loops.




Mike

Stars's avatarStars

If it was me who won, I would do the state press conference, but not say too much.  Plus if Letterman calls, I would do his Top 10 List, and then go into hidding.

 

Stars

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad
The PA lottery told me that you cannot claim it anonymously, and no one else can claim it for you. Only YOU can claim it. But like others have said, your own self-importance becomes overrated by your own disillusions anyway. Although there may be a small risk involved depending on where you live, who you know, jackpot amount, etc, but I believe the biggest problem you will have is dealing with your own new found wealth, and the "paranoia" it creates.
ayenowitall's avatarayenowitall

15 minutes of fame. Why do you people care what these people get and don't get. It is their business. Sheesh, people are nosey and jealous. Try to be happy for them and hope for yourselves.

jeffrey,

The people posting in this thread are commenting on a public news story, which is exactly what you are doing. That's why the news stories are posted in a message forum. The Wests and Chaneys have essentially become public figures in the world of lottery affairs, so it could hardly be considered as "nosey" to comment on a news story about them. I don't know how you're interpreting the posts of others, but I haven't seen a single post in this thread that indicates the slightest bit of jealousy toward the $340,000,000 jackpot winners. The other posts in this thread are no more intrusive or resentful than your own.

aye'

Chewie

The Powerball jackpot winners from Southern Oregon say they have been unfairly portrayed in the national media.

What I don't understand, is why does the winner care what a television network says about them?  They are - or soon will be - worth millions of dollars.  It is one of those "Sticks and Stones" things.  Being obsessed, with being mister nice guy is ridiculous. You are rich, beyond your wildest dreams, and you still feel obligated to please a stranger’s ego?  I am rich, blow it out your rear, mister television producer!  
Remember the golden rule, gold rules; not poverty.  When I win tonight, trust me, I couldn't care less about some pampered talking head at NBC or ABC.  Turn off the TV, look out the window - there is a whole world out there!

 

Deadsantaclaus

I'd go to lottery headquarters with a lawyer to sign the forms and such as needed. Then when I was politely told that I really need to meet the press "Just once" I'd decline and hand the lottery press flack a short statement to read to the press. It would basically say leave me alone*, I do not feel any need to do interviews or tell the world how I now feel being a multi-millionaire.

Another bit would mention that if you write in search of cash realize you wasted a stamp! I will not read mail from those seeking money. I give to charities and will continue to do so and you should contact your local or regional charities for the new Cadillac to get you to the store for food for your 17 kids, etc......

*I realize that I'd still be hounded even if I did the interview so I figure I'd just skip it and go on with my new life.

deafasl

I know that it was hard make try protect thier family from media or newspaper make public.

If I would winner by jackpot then I will tell lottery dircetor that I want private in my life period!!!!!!!!  it was NONE of your business peroid!!!!!!Mad That right.  Oregon lottery HQ should understand what thier family want protect thier private life.

Richard

Chewie

I'd go to lottery headquarters with a lawyer to sign the forms and such as needed. Then when I was politely told that I really need to meet the press "Just once" I'd decline and hand the lottery press flack a short statement to read to the press. It would basically say leave me alone*, I do not feel any need to do interviews or tell the world how I now feel being a multi-millionaire.

Another bit would mention that if you write in search of cash realize you wasted a stamp! I will not read mail from those seeking money. I give to charities and will continue to do so and you should contact your local or regional charities for the new Cadillac to get you to the store for food for your 17 kids, etc......

*I realize that I'd still be hounded even if I did the interview so I figure I'd just skip it and go on with my new life.

You're assuming money grubbers would (1) read your statement and (2) give a damn what you said.  Neither has any basis for fact.  They don't grub money by being polite and considerate people.  Push, insult, pull at heart strings, whatever it takes.  I'd rather hire a clerk to throw away mail, then give a single penny to any tear jerker. 

dvdiva's avatardvdiva

If they had an interview with Jack Whitaker or a winner like him they should have it at a strip joint. At least you know he would show up and just watching him would tell you how long that money would last.

NoCompLotto!

I'd go to lottery headquarters with a lawyer to sign the forms and such as needed. Then when I was politely told that I really need to meet the press "Just once" I'd decline and hand the lottery press flack a short statement to read to the press. It would basically say leave me alone*, I do not feel any need to do interviews or tell the world how I now feel being a multi-millionaire.

Another bit would mention that if you write in search of cash realize you wasted a stamp! I will not read mail from those seeking money. I give to charities and will continue to do so and you should contact your local or regional charities for the new Cadillac to get you to the store for food for your 17 kids, etc......

*I realize that I'd still be hounded even if I did the interview so I figure I'd just skip it and go on with my new life.

In fact, most big lottery winners are REQUIRED to have a press conference: there is no way around it. This is to show there actually was a winner and to show the lotteries are being honest and have integrity. 

Chewie

In fact, most big lottery winners are REQUIRED to have a press conference: there is no way around it. This is to show there actually was a winner and to show the lotteries are being honest and have integrity. 

As I've said before, I would be more then glad to participate in a news conference.  Using the current MM value as a guide, there would be no requirement for me to prostitute myself because of some lottery requirement.  They can't keep the money; it would be mine.  I would never see any of them again, so their feelings would have the effect of a gnat.  What I said at the news conference, would be entirely dependant on how the lottery officials supported my pre-conference requests.  My primary request would be upfront validation of the win and support with a major bank for an enormous advance. Deny that, and it would a new conference that would go down in history.  The legislatures would re-write the law when I left the stage.

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

If it was me who won, I would do the state press conference, but not say too much.  Plus if Letterman calls, I would do his Top 10 List, and then go into hidding.

 

Stars

Too funny!! Yes, that's quite an honor. I'm chuckling because, like you, I would want to slip quietly into anonymity. Although I haven't won anything, I asked one sister if she'd be happy with a gift of 2 million and she answered "Is that all?"...and I wasn't even talking about Powerball or Mega Money, just the FL lottery. However, once I said I'd like to do the Top 10 List on Letterman.  With my luck, every ex-boyfriend and my ex-husband who disappeared with my money & credit cards 20 years ago would be watching and suddenly appear at my door!  So I decided to even skip the Letterman offer.  
Chewie

If it was me who won, I would do the state press conference, but not say too much.  Plus if Letterman calls, I would do his Top 10 List, and then go into hidding.

 

Stars

Too funny!! Yes, that's quite an honor. I'm chuckling because, like you, I would want to slip quietly into anonymity. Although I haven't won anything, I asked one sister if she'd be happy with a gift of 2 million and she answered "Is that all?"...and I wasn't even talking about Powerball or Mega Money, just the FL lottery. However, once I said I'd like to do the Top 10 List on Letterman.  With my luck, every ex-boyfriend and my ex-husband who disappeared with my money & credit cards 20 years ago would be watching and suddenly appear at my door!  So I decided to even skip the Letterman offer.  
But, wouldn't you have such a great time when he showed up.  Can you get him for back alimony?  That would be really cool!  Win MM, get a superior lawyer, and make it happen.
libra926

 

"D" SAYS:

"Another bit would mention that if you write in search of cash realize you wasted a stamp! I will not read mail from those seeking money. I give to charities and will continue to do so and you should contact your local or regional charities for the new Cadillac to get you to the store for food for your 17 kids, etc......"

HAPPY TUESDAY....."D"...11/15/05

I loved your entire post......especially that quote at the top.....I can't stop LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

But, wouldn't you have such a great time when he showed up.  Can you get him for back alimony?  That would be really cool!  Win MM, get a superior lawyer, and make it happen.

What's alimony? :) I think there must be a statute of limitations...we're talking about 20 years.  Anyway, I could have found him back then too with a little effort, but didn't bother. (I called my credit card company of course!) You're funny, but if I were rich hope I would never be like the people you read about who argue about who gets the dishes. Not my style at all.  Anyway, I can't get specific but I almost freaked out one day when I was bored and googling names. It's amazing what you find. Looks like he's a very successful businessman.  There were obituaries of a couple people I knew years ago. One multi-millionaire I broke up with 10 years ago died last year and I was thinking "Darn, so what if he was totally boring...I'd be a rich widow!" I didn't feel that way then, but at the time he was alive and kicking. LOL!  You see a lot of young women around here with much older men with money. I hope they're in love. I can't imagine sharing your bed with a man just for money (she writes as she wonders if she should lower her standards.)

Subscribe to this news story