Lottery veterans question Tennessee family's behavior before claiming Powerball winnings

Jan 16, 2016, 2:58 pm (162 comments)

Powerball

California and Florida winners should learn from mistakes made by Tennessee winners

Godspeed, John and Lisa Robinson of Munford, Tenn. 

The 50-somethings may have been Average Joes a day ago, but not after Friday morning when they revealed themselves on national television as big time winners in this week's record-breaking lottery.

The Robinsons' decision to fly to New York City to appear on NBC's "Today" show several hours before claiming their stake in the Powerball jackpot left some lottery veterans uneasy about the couple's exposure.

"It's a good example of what not to do," said Jason Kurland, a New York attorney who has represented several jackpot winners.

"I definitely would not have recommended that — very ill-advised for a number of reasons," Karen Gerstner, a Houston attorney who has worked with 48 lottery winners, said in an email. "Now, every long-lost relative and friend will approach them with a sob story, asking for money, and all the 'financial crooks' will come after them."

The Robinsons, along with their adult daughter, Tiffany Robinson, and Memphis attorney Joe Townsend and his daughter, Eileen Townsend, appeared on the morning news show where John Robinson pulled a folded lottery ticket from his shirt pocket and told a national TV audience that he was one of three winners of Wednesday's world-record $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot.

"Shocking," said Danielle Mayoras, a Michigan estate planning attorney and co-author of the bookTrial & Heirs. "Putting it out there on the 'Today' show before you even make the claim, before you even get everything in order, was extremely surprising. It really put the lottery ticket as well as the family at risk."

To collect their riches — a lump sum of nearly $328 million after taxes — the Robinsons needed to go the lottery office in Nashville, which they did after leaving New York.

"Flying back and forth to New York when you have to submit the ticket and make the claim in Tennessee may not be the best idea," Mayoras told Yahoo News. "Whether you're carrying around a Powerball-winning ticket or not, we all know when you go to a big city there's things that can happen. People lose things, and traveling and everything else."

"Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie even seemed surprised by the Robinsons' desire to make a big splash.

"Why, though, did you decide not to go to the lottery officials yet and come to us first?" Guthrie asked during the interview.

"Well actually, it was his idea," replied John Robinson, pointing to his attorney, who was standing behind him.

Townsend, a longtime Memphis bankruptcy and divorce lawyer, explained how he enlisted his daughter, a local writer who covers the Memphis arts scene, to call NBC and get them on the "Today" show. Eileen Townsend described how she Google-searched NBC's phone number and talked her way past the switchboard.

"They were rightly a little bit suspicious," Eileen said. "We talked through it and decided to make it happen."

Townsend, wearing a suit and bright orange tie, said the Manhattan media appearance only 33 hours after the lottery drawing was his way of trying to control the Robinsons' story.

"I think the American public wants to hear from them," Townsend said on the show. "Even though they want to be private after this is over, they want to, you know, let the public know that they're the winners."

But the publicity plan appears to have backfired somewhat. Reporters raced to Munford, a bedroom community of 6,000 north of Memphis, to interview the Robinsons' friends and family.

Neighbor Mary Sue Smith told the Memphis Commerical Appeal that Lisa Robinson, 53, had called after stepping off the "Today" set to request a favor.

"They were asking us to put up some 'No trespassing' signs in their yard," Smith said.

Within hours, a handful of people had shared a 2014 family photo from Lisa Robinson's Facebook page.

"This is the family in Munford that won the Power Ball Jackpot," a woman in Mississippi wrote on Facebook. "CONGRATS TO YOU."

The City of Munford also celebrated the Robinsons' windfall with a number of posts on its Facebook page. While most residents congratulated the family, a few couldn't resist the opportunity to offer suggestions.

"So happy for you," one woman wrote in a comment. "Sorry, can't help myself — please remember Tipton County Animal Shelter can always use a helping hand. Many wonderful furbabies there."

Kurland, who has represented winners of $254 million and $336 million Powerball jackpots, said he advises his clients to scrub their social media accounts and have a plan to disappear for several days once they claim their fortunes. But John Robinson, a warehouse supervisor, and Lisa Robinson, who works at a doctor's office, both said they planned to be at their jobs Monday morning.

"The rest of your life, people are going to be looking for handouts and asking questions and trying to hit you up for charities and investment opportunities," Kurland told Yahoo News. "I think it's going to hit them hard when they realize how famous, at least for 15 minutes, they've now become, when they could have controlled that a little bit more."

The Robinsons, who made it back to Tennessee to submit their winning ticket Friday afternoon, could have taken up to six months to redeem their prize. Tennessee Lottery rules also permit jackpots to be claimed in the name of a trust for more privacy.

"The short time between the day you win and the day you claim is your last chance at any normalcy," said Kurland, who offers a checklist of first steps on TheLotteryLawyer.com. "So you're better off sitting back and thinking about what you want to do, how to properly effectuate your estate planning, rather than parading around on the 'Today' show."

At a press conference Friday afternoon in Nashville, John Robinson, a warehouse supervisor, and his wife, who works at a doctor's office, said they hoped the family could now enjoy their good fortune in peace.

"We're common people," John, 58, said. "We're just like y'all are."

"... and ask that our privacy is respected," Lisa added.

News story photo(Click to display full-size in gallery)

Yahoo, Lottery Post Staff

Comments

s5thomps's avatars5thomps

How do you expect to request privacy and the first thing you do is go to the TODAY show and now every Tom, Dick and Harry knows where you live?? The vultures will be out in no time! Remains to be seen but they absolutely made a mistake going to the media. At the end of the day it's their choice to make.

No Pity!

Abdi's avatarAbdi

Honestly,I do not see anything wrong with Tennesse Jackpot winners!

They wanted to use the opportunity to be well known people in the globe.They knew the whole World was asking one question "Who are the most luckiest People on earth?"

travelintrucker's avatartravelintrucker

Amateurs. Uninformed amateurs. We may witness the next Jack Whitaker/Billie Bob Harrell.

travelintrucker's avatartravelintrucker

They honestly think they are going to be able to keep their jobs?! Look at what happened to Brad Duke; and he didn't win nearly as much money as they did.

crazyjaney

Good luck to these people.   They may want to consider getting a different attorney.  Lol.

WhatNow

I agree, broadcasting this to the world may only bring heartache and misery. Money doesn't really buy you happiness, rather buys you freedom. That freedom may be unnecessary  hampered.

Babel

Oi! They need to dump that attorney asap and get some real advice. Call up WE or Caprock or one of the other no-commission, non-bank affiliated, non-investment house affiliated Family Office firms. You are in the big leagues now folks, you don't want to use the lawyer that helped with Nana's will or the one that you used to sue the doctor that screwed up the operation on your crotch. You need a senior partner in one of the big top nationwide firms.

And I get that going to work is what you've always done but really it isn't worth your time anymore. Ultra conservatively invested you both essentially have a $1700/hour job forever. And reasonably invested there is no reason you can't bring in 2x or 3x that amount. Is your time better spent planning, educating yourself, and executing that or spending your day at whatever $20-25/hour job you had before you won? I know this country fetishizes the idea of lazy good for nothing rich people who only exist to be taxed but properly running a fortune the size of the one you now have is more then enough work for a person. And it can be very good, emotionally rewarding work at that.

Personally I'd love to create jobs for all my friends and family. Sure I'd be out to make more money but if I could do that while at the same time providing good jobs with great pay and benefits to folks I know I'd find that very rewarding.

TnTicketlosers's avatarTnTicketlosers

A cry for attention from Them and the CEO of Tn,,she wants all she can get.If all of the US knew what she was doing to Tn people she wouldnt be very liked at all.She is hated here.She is a crook and scamming bad person.

GGStarlings's avatarGGStarlings

Quote: Originally posted by travelintrucker on Jan 16, 2016

Amateurs. Uninformed amateurs. We may witness the next Jack Whitaker/Billie Bob Harrell.

The Uninformed should at least have a GOOD ATTORNEY.  Unhappy

lulu1feather

Yikes! That whole situation sounds like a disaster.

BDUB211

Attorney gave them some bad advice. How soon before Joe Townsend and his daughter Eileen end up with most of the Robinson's money?

zephbe's avatarzephbe

What lawyer never heard of claiming a huge lottery win thru a trust?  They need to fire him and get another lawyer with common sense.  They need to move and get unlisted numbers.  They can forget privacy, normalcy after announcing to the world they just won the lottery.

 

What's up with that lawyer anyway?

RJOh's avatarRJOh

These people hired a lawyer and followed his advice which proves even if you hire a lawyer you still have to do some of the thinking yourself.

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Their attorney is nuts

NOT the way to stay out of the "limelight"

Hit With Stick

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Quote: Originally posted by zephbe on Jan 16, 2016

What lawyer never heard of claiming a huge lottery win thru a trust?  They need to fire him and get another lawyer with common sense.  They need to move and get unlisted numbers.  They can forget privacy, normalcy after announcing to the world they just won the lottery.

 

What's up with that lawyer anyway?

In Pennsylvania they will still publish your name if you use a trust to claim your prize!

IDK about TN ............

mike1yogi

Easy to see their attorney's motivation $$$$$$$ Cha Ching!

He's in every picture I've seen, smiling like HE won the PB lol He ain't looking out for them, that's for certain.

GGStarlings's avatarGGStarlings

Quote: Originally posted by mike1yogi on Jan 16, 2016

Easy to see their attorney's motivation $$$$$$$ Cha Ching!

He's in every picture I've seen, smiling like HE won the PB lol He ain't looking out for them, that's for certain.

Like the Cheshire Cat... Big Smile

mike1yogi

Quote: Originally posted by GGStarlings on Jan 16, 2016

Like the Cheshire Cat... Big Smile

Lol, that's a puurfect analogy

Tami333's avatarTami333

Since they appear to be so kind, I wonder how many charities will come knocking soon?

Reminds me of the movie "The Jerk" when Steve Martin is handing out cash to all the crazy charities.  "Cat Juggling, I heard about this.  How much do you want?"  ha ha.

In the end...."All I need, this ashtray, this paddle ball, the remote control and this lamp, that's all I need"

DELotteryPlyr's avatarDELotteryPlyr

Quote: Originally posted by Tami333 on Jan 16, 2016

Since they appear to be so kind, I wonder how many charities will come knocking soon?

Reminds me of the movie "The Jerk" when Steve Martin is handing out cash to all the crazy charities.  "Cat Juggling, I heard about this.  How much do you want?"  ha ha.

In the end...."All I need, this ashtray, this paddle ball, the remote control and this lamp, that's all I need"

"Someone is shooting all the oil cans!! They hate oil cans!!  Green laugh

GGStarlings's avatarGGStarlings

Quote: Originally posted by mike1yogi on Jan 16, 2016

Lol, that's a puurfect analogy

Wink meoww

Lucky2Times

Something weird about all this ...

Rman313's avatarRman313

UnhappyThey are dumb! Why would you go back to work for anybody after winning all that cash. They pop up on The Today Show for all to see before they cashed the ticket. They are just asking for some bad guys to kidnapp them or worse.

jacintasc

Quote: Originally posted by Abdi on Jan 16, 2016

Honestly,I do not see anything wrong with Tennesse Jackpot winners!

They wanted to use the opportunity to be well known people in the globe.They knew the whole World was asking one question "Who are the most luckiest People on earth?"

I'm sorry but you are very wrong.

You just win the lottery or in this case the most publicized Jackpot ever in history. 

And your first instinct is to go to the Today show? And not claim your prize?

Not only are the prize winners idiots, but so is their attorney and the attorney's daughter.

If you watch the video, the hosts of the Today Show (who are puzzled) make it clear that the winners went to great lenghts to contact the Today Show.

AND what kind of attorney gets their daughter involved in a client's legal business?BS

DELotteryPlyr's avatarDELotteryPlyr

Quote: Originally posted by jacintasc on Jan 16, 2016

I'm sorry but you are very wrong.

You just win the lottery or in this case the most publicized Jackpot ever in history. 

And your first instinct is to go to the Today show? And not claim your prize?

Not only are the prize winners idiots, but so is their attorney and the attorney's daughter.

If you watch the video, the hosts of the Today Show (who are puzzled) make it clear that the winners went to great lenghts to contact the Today Show.

AND what kind of attorney gets their daughter involved in a client's legal business?BS

The Today show clip I saw had the female host saying 'ya know I have relatives in Tennessee, I could be your cousin!'

So even the Today show HOST was trying to hit them up for money!!!!  No Nod

jacintasc

Quote: Originally posted by DELotteryPlyr on Jan 16, 2016

The Today show clip I saw had the female host saying 'ya know I have relatives in Tennessee, I could be your cousin!'

So even the Today show HOST was trying to hit them up for money!!!!  No Nod

She was just making a joke. You should watch the entire video and "read between the lines". The folks at Today think these people are idiots too.

DELotteryPlyr's avatarDELotteryPlyr

Quote: Originally posted by jacintasc on Jan 16, 2016

She was just making a joke. You should watch the entire video and "read between the lines". The folks at Today think these people are idiots too.

you kinda missed the point, even someplace they 'trusted' joked about hitting them up for money.  Imagine what professionals will do to them?

jacintasc

Quote: Originally posted by DELotteryPlyr on Jan 16, 2016

you kinda missed the point, even someplace they 'trusted' joked about hitting them up for money.  Imagine what professionals will do to them?

Yes, I get you. That's what she was trying to tell them.Wink

Macdawgg

If my lawyer gave me that advice I would have FIRED him on the spot. BIG mistake folks I'm glad for them but something tells me we haven't heard the last of these folks.!

jacintasc

Quote: Originally posted by Macdawgg on Jan 16, 2016

If my lawyer gave me that advice I would have FIRED him on the spot. BIG mistake folks I'm glad for them but something tells me we haven't heard the last of these folks.!

No Doubt! The lottery curse hits big time.Thud

music*'s avatarmusic*

 The winners should take up to six months or a year before getting the ticket validated. 

 Jason Kurland, The Lottery Lawyer, can be found on You Tube.

 The winners should interview at least three lawyers. The first one will seem to be the best fit but go ahead and interview two more. Or more than three.

 I have posted on many past topics about hiring legal, financial, health counselors. You have the money now. Try to be smart about your new life.

 www.lotterypost.com and www.usamega.com should be a daily read for lottery winners.

 I just read about a past lottery winner of $112 mil who recently declared bankruptcy. She split the jackpot with her Dad and brother but was living like she had the whole amount to spend. Sad, very sad.

Crying

ohiopick3's avatarohiopick3

Hopefully when the other 2 winners come forward these people will drop from the limelight.

And everyone can leave them alone and let them enjoy their winnings.

NBey6's avatarNBey6

Quote: Originally posted by ohiopick3 on Jan 16, 2016

Hopefully when the other 2 winners come forward these people will drop from the limelight.

And everyone can leave them alone and let them enjoy their winnings.

That is exactly what will happen, too. Congratulations to the family, but people will not care or remember them in a couple of months anyway. Only the folks who are after their money will care and that was gonna happen anyway. Live and let live is my opinion on this one.

Smiley

travelintrucker's avatartravelintrucker

Could it be that the lawyer gave this advice in order to get publicity for himself?

jacintasc

Quote: Originally posted by travelintrucker on Jan 16, 2016

Could it be that the lawyer gave this advice in order to get publicity for himself?

That's what I'm thinking. But anyone with common sense will steer clear of this attorney Hit With Stick

travelintrucker's avatartravelintrucker

Yeah. You're talking about Cynthia Stafford. I thought she'd be smart with the money because she seemed to have a good head on her shoulders. I feel sorry for the kids.

OneTrickpony's avatarOneTrickpony

Quote: Originally posted by ohiopick3 on Jan 16, 2016

Hopefully when the other 2 winners come forward these people will drop from the limelight.

And everyone can leave them alone and let them enjoy their winnings.

After the bad move they made, I doubt they will fade anytime soon as potential 'targets' to everyone with an outstretched hand.  No, I think they will be hounded for a very long time.

The other two winners will probably make their claims through layers of trusts and/or LLCs.  It has only been 3 days, but I hope they are getting their ducks in a row before making their claims.

I read somewhere that if your State requires that your name be published, you can go to court and ask a judge to grant you permission to remain anonymous because you feel that your life would be in jeopardy if revealed.  If there was ever a time to feel vulnerable, I would think it would be making a claim for $328,000,000!  The lottery can't release your name if a judge grants you permission.

travelintrucker's avatartravelintrucker

I'd go live in Amish country for awhile. They definitely haven't heard of you.

larry3100's avatarlarry3100

I watched the interview on the "Today Show" and one of the last questions went something like " John, you have security protection? " And John said " Oh, yes." That's the first thing I would get, if I won it big in the lottery. One more thing, I noticed after John Robinson was showing that $500 million+ winning Powerball ticket in his hand, putting it in his left front pants pocket! Wow. Another thing, when the reporters were asking questions to the Robinson's, they never ask the question " John, you did sign that winning ticket,right? " Sound like a dumb question but in all that excitement of winning, you never know. I'll bet the Robinson's got a security protection force you would never believe, waiting to pounce on anybody who would come near their family!, lol.

jacintasc

Quote: Originally posted by larry3100 on Jan 16, 2016

I watched the interview on the "Today Show" and one of the last questions went something like " John, you have security protection? " And John said " Oh, yes." That's the first thing I would get, if I won it big in the lottery. One more thing, I noticed after John Robinson was showing that $500 million+ winning Powerball ticket in his hand, putting it in his left front pants pocket! Wow. Another thing, when the reporters were asking questions to the Robinson's, they never ask the question " John, you did sign that winning ticket,right? " Sound like a dumb question but in all that excitement of winning, you never know. I'll bet the Robinson's got a security protection force you would never believe, waiting to pounce on anybody who would come near their family!, lol.

When he pulled out the ticket, it can be seen that it was signed.

Stack47

Quote: Originally posted by Abdi on Jan 16, 2016

Honestly,I do not see anything wrong with Tennesse Jackpot winners!

They wanted to use the opportunity to be well known people in the globe.They knew the whole World was asking one question "Who are the most luckiest People on earth?"

I Agree! and most of the comments are from people that never won a jackpot but think they are experts. They appear to be suffering from "jackpot envy".

Erzulieredeyes's avatarErzulieredeyes

I don't see anything wrong in this. It's their money and decision to do what they want to do with their way they claim their prize or exposing they are the winners on national television. If it were me, I probably would have did the press conference or news interview to get it OVER with because the news media will dig into their personal lives and stalk the winners to get the exclusive interview. BETTER TO GET IT OVER WITH and spin the story the way you want before the media does, plus now the big focus is on the Florida and Cali winner.

jacintasc

The issue is not that they went to the Today Show. The issue is that they went to the Today Show FIRST, before going to the Tennessee Lottery HQ.

It is completely illogical.

It's like me having a cavity and instead of going to the Dentist I  go to a Beauty Salon first .Idea

 

The commentaries on here have nothing to do with envy

reddog's avatarreddog

Quote: Originally posted by jacintasc on Jan 16, 2016

The issue is not that they went to the Today Show. The issue is that they went to the Today Show FIRST, before going to the Tennessee Lottery HQ.

It is completely illogical.

It's like me having a cavity and instead of going to the Dentist I  go to a Beauty Salon first .Idea

 

The commentaries on here have nothing to do with envy

I agree very much. They went the wrong route and I am afraid it WILL bite them in the a$$. Tennessee has a privacy policy and should have took it.

En ReVal

I just researched this and there is a Cynthia Stafford in WV and FL that has filed bankruptcy.  Not sure if we are talking about the same Cynthia.

music*'s avatarmusic*

Quote: Originally posted by En ReVal on Jan 16, 2016

I just researched this and there is a Cynthia Stafford in WV and FL that has filed bankruptcy.  Not sure if we are talking about the same Cynthia.

 Cynthia Stafford from Beverly Hills, California. Past lottery winner of $112,000,000.00  She did good with her money but she failed at budgeting.

music*'s avatarmusic*

Quote: Originally posted by Stack47 on Jan 16, 2016

I Agree! and most of the comments are from people that never won a jackpot but think they are experts. They appear to be suffering from "jackpot envy".

 Of course, I am envious and jealous. I feel sad that I did not win. But I think that I have comments to make that could help future lottery winner here at Lottery Post.

 If you see someone who is about to step in front of a truck do you remain silent? or try to help?

Stack47

Quote: Originally posted by ohiopick3 on Jan 16, 2016

Hopefully when the other 2 winners come forward these people will drop from the limelight.

And everyone can leave them alone and let them enjoy their winnings.

It's possible why they decided to come forward first and the playing "Ma and Pa Kettle" may have been an act. Appearing on the Today Show before validating the ticket was strange, especially pulling the folded ticket out of his shirt pocket, but that could be part of the act. We probably know more about Gloria Mackenzie than these winners.

lejardin's avatarlejardin

Quote: Originally posted by music* on Jan 16, 2016

 Of course, I am envious and jealous. I feel sad that I did not win. But I think that I have comments to make that could help future lottery winner here at Lottery Post.

 If you see someone who is about to step in front of a truck do you remain silent? or try to help?

Im with you Music.  I was disappointed I was not one of the winners, am envious and a tad jealous, ok, ok a lot jealous.  I was imagining myself having all 6 numbers, now I am imagining what it must be like getting all things lined up to collect.

This sounds like I am an idiot but I just feel one of these days, lol.  I am sure people I talk to are sick of hearing me, including my LP friends hahahaha.

I look at the drawings for the games I play and when I think I made an agreement to a three way split, these jackpots arent enough for my dreams lol.  Yes, they will build again, I have no tickets so have to watch them and decide when to join in again.

Good luck.

Tami333's avatarTami333

Quote: Originally posted by travelintrucker on Jan 16, 2016

I'd go live in Amish country for awhile. They definitely haven't heard of you.

Green laugh Oh my gosh, brilliant!  I would have never thought to live among the Amish for a few months. 

You would be pretty safe especially if you took a million to build them a huge barn, church, buy a 100 cows, horses & buggies. 

Shoot, they would never give you up to the media.  What a great deal that would be.  Love it!

music*'s avatarmusic*

Quote: Originally posted by lejardin on Jan 16, 2016

Im with you Music.  I was disappointed I was not one of the winners, am envious and a tad jealous, ok, ok a lot jealous.  I was imagining myself having all 6 numbers, now I am imagining what it must be like getting all things lined up to collect.

This sounds like I am an idiot but I just feel one of these days, lol.  I am sure people I talk to are sick of hearing me, including my LP friends hahahaha.

I look at the drawings for the games I play and when I think I made an agreement to a three way split, these jackpots arent enough for my dreams lol.  Yes, they will build again, I have no tickets so have to watch them and decide when to join in again.

Good luck.

lejardin, Thank You. I am also changing my lottery playing. I think that I can wait till the jackpots for Mega Millions and Power Ball reach $150 - $200 million before I play.

 Most of us here at LP know the odds but when the jackpot breaks records then we all hope that it will be one of our tickets that wins.

 I am dissolving any agreements, promises, pledges that I made for this past PB run. I start clean for another record breaker.

 We are here at LP to commiserate with one another after a major win. And definitely celebrate when one of us wins.Dance

veganlife125's avatarveganlife125

Im glad they went public to get the fame they deserve!  If they still want to work, save, and not be bothered much they should move to Salt Lake City, Utah where those kind of things are appreciated.  When Inflation ravages this country and food shortages happen because of wrong headed voting for the past 100 years it might be the safest place to live.  The mormons are savers.  To many jealous athiests, southern baptists, and presbyterians here complaining.  The bible teaches you to not hate people who have money and save.

One way to have alot of fun without spending any of that lottery money would be to have about 1000 Christmas cards printed up with a santa claus on the front holding a sign that says: " Have a very billion dollar Christmas!"

Sent every enemy and jealous person you know one every year at Christmas with a dollar bill inside.  I can think of about 30 posters here id send one to each year because of their envy disease.  Just saying!  Want to quess who is on the list?  What would your list look like!

Would any of that constitute mental anquish?Banana

Congrats to the winners!Big Grin 

Murgatroyd

This is why you need a lawyer who specializes in the right field. The local bankruptcy/divorce lawyer just doesn't have the right experience to make good decisions about sudden wealth.

music*'s avatarmusic*

Quote: Originally posted by Murgatroyd on Jan 16, 2016

This is why you need a lawyer who specializes in the right field. The local bankruptcy/divorce lawyer just doesn't have the right experience to make good decisions about sudden wealth.

 Fortunately, the State Of California's Lottery Commission has help at www.calottery.com  You can find the Winners Handbook by moving the cursor to  Win and then you will see the Winners Handbook listing. It is located on the top left handside of the page. "I've Won Now What" it is easy to locate.

DELotteryPlyr's avatarDELotteryPlyr

Quote: Originally posted by Murgatroyd on Jan 16, 2016

This is why you need a lawyer who specializes in the right field. The local bankruptcy/divorce lawyer just doesn't have the right experience to make good decisions about sudden wealth.

Yea. this might be why all of this happened.  An attorney who really knows nothing about how to handle this, giving advise and getting paid for it. 

Stack47

Quote: Originally posted by music* on Jan 16, 2016

 Of course, I am envious and jealous. I feel sad that I did not win. But I think that I have comments to make that could help future lottery winner here at Lottery Post.

 If you see someone who is about to step in front of a truck do you remain silent? or try to help?

And that's why I said "most of the comments" and not "all". Most of your comments are reasonable. LOL

"If you see someone who is about to step in front of a truck do you remain silent? or try to help?"

As I said in my last post, it's possibly an act hoping much more attention will be paid to one of both of the other winners. Each news agency that reported a record jackpot had "expert opinions" on what jackpot winners should do, but from what I read it wasn't much different than we read on LP.

It might take up to six months or more to get things setup and maybe years before the winners understand their new wealth. I see lots of LP members who never won a jackpot being very critical of what an actual winner does. IMO, it wasn't a good idea to have the winning ticket in his pocket (if that was actual ticket) on the Today Show before having it validated, but there were no problems.

LottoMetro's avatarLottoMetro

Quote: Originally posted by music* on Jan 16, 2016

 Cynthia Stafford from Beverly Hills, California. Past lottery winner of $112,000,000.00  She did good with her money but she failed at budgeting.

So if she failed at budgeting and filed for bankruptcy, how did she do "good" with her money?

She gave away $1 million....a drop in the bucket compared to the original prize and most likely that was by the advice of her accountant.

Not downplaying her donation but I have known many with far less who have given away far more.

The bottom line is she blew her money on stupid stuff and fell into the same trap as many other lottery winners before her.

destinycreation

These people were STUPID to go public in the manner that they did, and their ego-centric attorney [Joe Townsend] and his publicity hungry daughter Eileen Townsend, who is a Memphis Art Scene reporter [Duh !!], should be slapped and fired for giving such BAD ADVICE !!!  Pay the attorney ASAP and kick him to the curb, b/c he probably intends to milk them dry of their MONEY $$$ in any clever manner that he can figure out how to !!!  The attorney, Joe Townsend,  specializes in BANKRUPTCY and DIVORCE, which is exactly what John and Lisa Robinson will need, eventually !!!

music*'s avatarmusic*

Quote: Originally posted by LottoMetro on Jan 16, 2016

So if she failed at budgeting and filed for bankruptcy, how did she do "good" with her money?

She gave away $1 million....a drop in the bucket compared to the original prize and most likely that was by the advice of her accountant.

Not downplaying her donation but I have known many with far less who have given away far more.

The bottom line is she blew her money on stupid stuff and fell into the same trap as many other lottery winners before her.

 Cynthia gave her children and step children from her brother who was killed by a drunk driver, a good start in life. Some may not be eighteen yet. She might have set up trusts for them. 

 I agree that the one million dollar donation to the Geffen play house was ridiculous. Plus the cars. And she even looked at airplanes.

 She might have continued her support for UNICEF.

LottoMetro's avatarLottoMetro

Quote: Originally posted by destinycreation on Jan 16, 2016

These people were STUPID to go public in the manner that they did, and their ego-centric attorney [Joe Townsend] and his publicity hungry daughter Eileen Townsend, who is a Memphis Art Scene reporter [Duh !!], should be slapped and fired for giving such BAD ADVICE !!!  Pay the attorney ASAP and kick him to the curb, b/c he probably intends to milk them dry of their MONEY $$$ in any clever manner that he can figure out how to !!!  The attorney, Joe Townsend,  specializes in BANKRUPTCY and DIVORCE, which is exactly what John and Lisa Robinson will need, eventually !!!

The attorney, Joe Townsend,  specializes in BANKRUPTCY and DIVORCE, which is exactly what John and Lisa Robinson will need, eventually !!!

Green laugh

Myday-Oneday

That attorney needs to be fired!

tnlottodreamer's avatartnlottodreamer

My mother and father in law live in Munford and my parents use to live there too and so did I. I live very close to Munford and from what I have heard the Townsend's are a shady family. I think one of them own a used car lot in Millington. Looking forward to seeing if they will help the little city in Munford. Me and my husband were married in Munford,TN in 2006.

maximumfun's avatarmaximumfun

I wish the winners the best of luck!

myturn's avatarmyturn

"Tennessee Lottery rules also permit jackpots to be claimed in the name of a trust for more privacy."

 

The  Tennessee Lottery doesn't have an information on claiming in the name of a trust.

 

Can the winner of a large Lottery prize remain anonymous?

It is the policy of the Tennessee Lottery to treat such information as a public record. The Lottery will therefore disclose the name, home state and home town of winners if a request is received for such information.

Tennessee Lottery FAQ

Suzy-Dittlenose

These folks are not playing with a full deck of cards.  Their actions have created the conditions for something bad to happen.  It was wreckless for them to start off on the path they've chosen.  A thumbs down on this one....

Thumbs Down 

JezzVim

 Can anyone spell STUPID?   They are going to live in the same house, go to the same job, shop at the same stores??  Oh geez!! 

They showed a picture of their house on National TV!!!!!    Now if I were a crazy person don't you think I would bee line to that house and kidnap one of them for ransom?   

Why work at the same job with winnings like that ? 

Why did they even bother to play that dang lottery if they weren't going to ENJOY life?   

Maybe they are still in shock?   Or just plain stupid!

When I win,  I am going to wear a wig, body padding, high platform heels and so much makeup even my mother wouldn't know me.   Oh, a Clown outfit!!  They never said you have to show your real face!   That's it!!!   So if you see a Clown on TV accepting the winnings ..... it ain't me!   Why would I wan't anyone to know my outfit?   LOL!!!!

It's said that God looks over fools.

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Yet they were fine. Who cares what others question is not their business. Most are fine unless they had issues before winning or were just really stupid afterwards. Plus no one knew he had the ticket on him anyway and it was signed. All the bad instances are also in the minority the majority have no issues usually. They also got the media done with and now the focus is on wo else won. The world doesn't stop because someone won the lottery, most people move on and forget them in a week or less.  Here is the press conference. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/powerball-winners-tennessee-identified-john-robinson-lisa-robinson/

savagegoose's avatarsavagegoose

 I wish them all the luck and wisdom in the future.  im beginning to see its non of our business.  or anyones, except to have a laugh and point.

myturn's avatarmyturn

Notorious lottery winner Mickey Carroll today has a word of advice for the couple who landed £33million in Britain’s biggest jackpot.

Emigrate.

And he reckons if they don’t do what he says, then the size of David and Carol Martin’s win could put their family at risk.

The ex-binman became known as the “Lotto lout” after scooping £9.7m when he was just 19.

Carroll was wearing an electronic tag when he bought a lucky dip ticket in November 2002.

He went on a spending spree on cocaine, gambling and hookers that nearly killed him.

sweetie7398's avatarsweetie7398

Quote: Originally posted by DELotteryPlyr on Jan 16, 2016

Yea. this might be why all of this happened.  An attorney who really knows nothing about how to handle this, giving advise and getting paid for it. 

I Agree!

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Quote: Originally posted by sirbrad on Jan 17, 2016

Yet they were fine. Who cares what others question is not their business. Most are fine unless they had issues before winning or were just really stupid afterwards. Plus no one knew he had the ticket on him anyway and it was signed. All the bad instances are also in the minority the majority have no issues usually. They also got the media done with and now the focus is on wo else won. The world doesn't stop because someone won the lottery, most people move on and forget them in a week or less.  Here is the press conference. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/powerball-winners-tennessee-identified-john-robinson-lisa-robinson/

You can see him hold up 4 fingers in the security camera video for 4 QP's lol. He asked the lady if should would share and she said sure, now the question is will HE share? LOL

myturn's avatarmyturn


With large prize money, there should be a cooling-off period before winners receive the money. When players win such large amounts, in all the excitement, they can make rash decisions. How about a three month cooling-off period for prizes over 500,000?

travelintrucker's avatartravelintrucker

I'm changing how many lines I play and my numbers. I'm going to reduce my 10 lines down to 2 lines. I will play the same numbers in both MM and PB. Had a thought yesterday. What if my MM numbers come up in PB and vice versa? I'd be pissed!  I will also start adding the multiplier. I'm going to get a 20 draw ticket. If this run goes back up to a billion, I'll already be in the pot.

Brcebrce

Wheww alot of dumb in this story. I agree with other posters, why would an attorney encourage a public announcement of winning. Why would you listen to that? Herd mentally in action folks. I win any size jackpot im gonna try every possible way to remain anonymous, or at least just keep it limited to the lottery website. They just put a big  flashing bullseye on their back.
Money can't buy common sense.

travelintrucker's avatartravelintrucker

I watched the recent lottery special. She spent $200,000 on hand bags alone! 2 Bentleys worth $400,000. She didn't even want to mention how much she spent on art. What was up with the gold chair?! No wonder she's broke. All of that money would have been better spent by getting educated in finance and economics to help with investing.

joshuacloak's avatarjoshuacloak

Quote: Originally posted by myturn on Jan 16, 2016

"Tennessee Lottery rules also permit jackpots to be claimed in the name of a trust for more privacy."

 

The  Tennessee Lottery doesn't have an information on claiming in the name of a trust.

 

Can the winner of a large Lottery prize remain anonymous?

It is the policy of the Tennessee Lottery to treat such information as a public record. The Lottery will therefore disclose the name, home state and home town of winners if a request is received for such information.

Tennessee Lottery FAQ

Myturn it's people like you that drive me certifiably nuts. You're so easily tricked and can't read between the lines.

Also, why is someone in Australia talking about my own state lottery as if they know it better than other people who live and play here? I live in TN and I know my own state lottery better than 99% of the player base on here. so let's get down to it.

First off we have an anonymous winner just from the last jackpot before this one was even won. To copy and paste from another post of mine:

------------------------

http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2015/12/03/1441-million-antioch-powerball-winner-claims-prize/76743512/

"The identity of the lucky winner or winners will remain anonymous as the winnings were claimed in the name of a revocable trust."

http://www.antiochtenn.com/2015/12/04/antioch-lotto-winner-claims-prize-remains-anonymous/

"The $144.1 million ticket, purchased at Hobson Tobacco and Beer, 2216 Hobson Pike in Antioch, was claimed by the Avondale Revocable Trust."

http://fox17.com/news/local/winning-1441m-powerball-ticket-sold-in-antioch-claimed

"Not much is known about Avondale Revocable Trust. The communications director for the Tennessee Lottery says it is not a business, there was only one winner and they are located in the Nashville area."

https://www.tnlottery.com/newsroom/newsitem.aspx?nid=1569 -I mean for gods sake there is no name even on press story report from the lottery own website.
------------------------

Ok now that that's out of the way.  Let's go back to the very same FAQ page and look right above the "Can the winner of a large Lottery prize remain anonymous?"


 

Let me put it the other way for you.

The Powerball winner of the Powerball jackpot worth 144.1 million that was won on November 4th, 2015 in Tennessee was......... drum roll music................

The Avondale Revocable Trust.

 

See now? The public has the winner(s) name! The name of the trust.

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Quote: Originally posted by Stack47 on Jan 16, 2016

I Agree! and most of the comments are from people that never won a jackpot but think they are experts. They appear to be suffering from "jackpot envy".

Exactly as I said. I find all the negative comments to be odd and screaming of envy. Why in the hell would anyone even how a total stranger who won the jackpot spends their money and what decisions they make? They are just mad they did not win it so they trash them. Yet if they were never revealed and did it anonymously those same people would be saying it was "rigged" and that no one really won it. They are also mad because this goes against all of the conventional wisdom/advice of so-called "experts" yet there was no catastrophes to speak of. This only further proves that you don't even need a lawyer. Just because something is not a "good idea" also does not mean there is going to be a problem for certain. So many "experts" on here giving legal advice when they don't do it for a living, and all the brash assumptions that the lawyer is going to bleed them dry etc. You lost get over it. If you want to do all that crap if you win then so be it. But it is no one's business what these people do. I highly doubt they will have any issues like the minority cases do.

Also as I said before it is their choice if they want to keep working not yours. I don't agree with the mindset that all lottery winners should all the sudden do all moral things and help the world just because they won a jackpot. They won and it is their life and can do whatever they want to regardless of how much money they got. But it is kinda stupid to go back to a 9 to 5 when you could make a lot more money and have a lot more fun being self-employed. Also if they really wanted to help people they could start a huge business and create jobs. But some just want to relax and enjoy life. But for many work is all they ever knew and for many that does not change. They like to stay in their comfort zone, the money is just a bonus and financial security after the house and bills are paid off. Also not every one who winds the lottery is hounded as much as you think, only those who are really stupid or are in bad situations already. Kinda like Marie and Jack which were extreme cases and in the minority. But why would you even care anyway it is not your problem. I don't, I worry about myself not how others are handling their winnings. If I did not win I don't care.

Just goes to show you that not every "rule" applies all the time and most of the time you are not going to have any issues unless you are really stupid and have a shady lifestyle to begin with. Only the hardcore players on here care usually not most people out there. They lose and move on with their lives as those on here should do also. I personally would have not done the press conference until I had the cash. But this only goes to show you that not everyone needs to be worried even if they are not prepared. People act like every criminal in the world was out there waiting for them when in reality no one gave a crap and nothing happened at all. Not like he is carrying all that cash around in the open t was a signed lottery ticket, and as he said no one even knew him or who he was. So maybe it was smart to get it done quick before his identity was known. The fact is though you don't know what you will do until you get in that situation. That kind of money can change your thinking fast, especially if you are not a hardcore player and well prepped for it. I have been well prepared for a long time but even I want know for sure how I will feel and react until I win that large amount. But unlike most of these casual players I am prepared and ready and have been for a long time. And I think paying a team is a waste of money so I have prepared my own team for 10 years now which consists of me, myself, and I. Those are the only ones who will be getting a piece of the pie. I would be more worried about family, friends, accountants, lawyers, and financial advisors who usually are the real "crooks" you have to watch out for.

sully16's avatarsully16

Yikes, we haven't heard the end of these 2.

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Quote: Originally posted by Tami333 on Jan 16, 2016

Green laugh Oh my gosh, brilliant!  I would have never thought to live among the Amish for a few months. 

You would be pretty safe especially if you took a million to build them a huge barn, church, buy a 100 cows, horses & buggies. 

Shoot, they would never give you up to the media.  What a great deal that would be.  Love it!

Nah you would become their slave then. LOL No way could I go without my PC and Internet that long. LOL Type

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

And I also said many times before that I would not run or hide from anyone if I won, so I applaud them for sticking their ground and not letting preconceived negative thoughts change who they are and scare them off. That is not how a lottery winner should live, and would only make you a prisoner of your own self-centered paranoia. You should be having fun and enjoying it not trying to hide because you think every criminal in the world is now looking for you. They are not, and those who had issues as I said are in the minority and already lived shady lifestyles before they won.

American Indian's avatarAmerican Indian

Quote: Originally posted by s5thomps on Jan 16, 2016

How do you expect to request privacy and the first thing you do is go to the TODAY show and now every Tom, Dick and Harry knows where you live?? The vultures will be out in no time! Remains to be seen but they absolutely made a mistake going to the media. At the end of the day it's their choice to make.

No Pity!

I lived in Kentucky for 11 yrs and People in the Southern State's are a lot different there, their hard working, down home, what you see is what you get, their friendly, and just all around honest good people, a hand shake is as binding as a Legal Document! They trusted their Attorney and did what he suggested! The Attorney was the one that wanted to be on National T.V. with his Daughter, Just like it said in the story above!! DON"T EVER TRUST AN ATTORNEY THAT'S A FATAL MISTAKE!! Hopefully they learned from that and hired a new one that is out for their best interest and not his!!!

American Indian's avatarAmerican Indian

Quote: Originally posted by sirbrad on Jan 17, 2016

And I also said many times before that I would not run or hide from anyone if I won, so I applaud them for sticking their ground and not letting preconceived negative thoughts change who they are and scare them off. That is not how a lottery winner should live, and would only make you a prisoner of your own self-centered paranoia. You should be having fun and enjoying it not trying to hide because you think every criminal in the world is now looking for you. They are not, and those who had issues as I said are in the minority and already lived shady lifestyles before they won.

Thank You for your comment I APPLAUD YOU and completely agree with you, the comments i've read on here are way out their and i can't sit here and reply to every STUPID ONE! They live in a small town and out their the Neighbors take care of each other and I am sure they will watch out for them and do what they can!

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Quote: Originally posted by JezzVim on Jan 17, 2016

 Can anyone spell STUPID?   They are going to live in the same house, go to the same job, shop at the same stores??  Oh geez!! 

They showed a picture of their house on National TV!!!!!    Now if I were a crazy person don't you think I would bee line to that house and kidnap one of them for ransom?   

Why work at the same job with winnings like that ? 

Why did they even bother to play that dang lottery if they weren't going to ENJOY life?   

Maybe they are still in shock?   Or just plain stupid!

When I win,  I am going to wear a wig, body padding, high platform heels and so much makeup even my mother wouldn't know me.   Oh, a Clown outfit!!  They never said you have to show your real face!   That's it!!!   So if you see a Clown on TV accepting the winnings ..... it ain't me!   Why would I wan't anyone to know my outfit?   LOL!!!!

It's said that God looks over fools.

No you wouldn't bee line their house just like most other sane people wouldn't. Also you would probably get shot and just because some "crazy person" would want to try something like that does not mean they would be successful and there is a good chance it would not end well for them. They stated they had security also and the local police is probably watching the house. But in reality this rarely happens, I only read about it happening to a few who were rich way back in the 80's and because they were shady to begin with and had bad behavior and made a lot of enemies. In this day and age it is not so easy to do, and most are not going to target a lottery winner they never heard of. It is not that easy and they know they don't even have the money yet. Chances are good it would not end good for the crazy person and most are not going to throw their lives away because someone won lottery, just like you wouldn't. Just because something is "possible" does not mean it is probable or likely to happen. We call this self-centered paranoia. It is good to prepared but most will move on with their life and forget them.

Also I live in PA so thanks for telling me you complete disguise as I now know it will be you. Your "costume" will be a dead giveaway. LOLJack-in-the-BoxGoof Jester Laugh

American Indian's avatarAmerican Indian

Quote: Originally posted by travelintrucker on Jan 17, 2016

I watched the recent lottery special. She spent $200,000 on hand bags alone! 2 Bentleys worth $400,000. She didn't even want to mention how much she spent on art. What was up with the gold chair?! No wonder she's broke. All of that money would have been better spent by getting educated in finance and economics to help with investing.

Thank you, I Love it!!! But she wasn't smart enough to go to school, nor did she have time she was out shopping!!LOL

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Quote: Originally posted by myturn on Jan 17, 2016


With large prize money, there should be a cooling-off period before winners receive the money. When players win such large amounts, in all the excitement, they can make rash decisions. How about a three month cooling-off period for prizes over 500,000?

HELL NO. I have been cool waiting my whole life for a win, once I get it I will be HOT. Red Devil But I am well prepared and every day is time wasting, and time is MONEY. The majority are fine and do well just because there are few bad insurances is no reason to be biased against everyone. Also you don't have any right keeping someone's winnings from them because you think they need to "cool off." Some of us are cool all the time and do not make brash decisions and blow money. It is not the job of the lottery to act as a psychologist and financial advisor. I waited long enough and I am well prepared so I would start my new life immediately not wait months. As John sated "tomorrow is not guaranteed." You got to live now not just for the future.

Lucky4Life's avatarLucky4Life

Quote: Originally posted by sirbrad on Jan 17, 2016

No you wouldn't bee line their house just like most other sane people wouldn't. Also you would probably get shot and just because some "crazy person" would want to try something like that does not mean they would be successful and there is a good chance it would not end well for them. They stated they had security also and the local police is probably watching the house. But in reality this rarely happens, I only read about it happening to a few who were rich way back in the 80's and because they were shady to begin with and had bad behavior and made a lot of enemies. In this day and age it is not so easy to do, and most are not going to target a lottery winner they never heard of. It is not that easy and they know they don't even have the money yet. Chances are good it would not end good for the crazy person and most are not going to throw their lives away because someone won lottery, just like you wouldn't. Just because something is "possible" does not mean it is probable or likely to happen. We call this self-centered paranoia. It is good to prepared but most will move on with their life and forget them.

Also I live in PA so thanks for telling me you complete disguise as I now know it will be you. Your "costume" will be a dead giveaway. LOLJack-in-the-BoxGoof Jester Laugh

Yeah but the police won't be there forever.  this fanfare will last a month and the most and then the media will go back to other top stories.  Once the other PB winners come forward this tweedle dee and tweedle dumb will be forgotten.  Then they will be back in the news because they were robbed or something similar

Lucky4Life's avatarLucky4Life

Quote: Originally posted by zephbe on Jan 16, 2016

What lawyer never heard of claiming a huge lottery win thru a trust?  They need to fire him and get another lawyer with common sense.  They need to move and get unlisted numbers.  They can forget privacy, normalcy after announcing to the world they just won the lottery.

 

What's up with that lawyer anyway?

To be fair, he is a divorce and bankruptcy lawyer, not a "real" lawyer.  That was their first mistake.   

 

That's the thing about the lottery.  ANYBODY can win.  Unfortunately these two don't seem to have a brain between the two.  As others have said, we will see more of them.

Slick Nick's avatarSlick Nick

A very stupid move to say the least! Bash   In this day and age especially when it involves big money, "BE CAREFUL".  People do whacky things. Bang Head  It's a known fact that your life changes when you win big money. Dance

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Quote: Originally posted by American Indian on Jan 17, 2016

Thank You for your comment I APPLAUD YOU and completely agree with you, the comments i've read on here are way out their and i can't sit here and reply to every STUPID ONE! They live in a small town and out their the Neighbors take care of each other and I am sure they will watch out for them and do what they can!

Exactly, and I am sure they will help them out too with some nice gifts. But you got all the "experts" of law, money, and crime on here who seem to think they know it all and are counting on their demise and failure because they lost. LOL

music*'s avatarmusic*

Quote: Originally posted by Slick Nick on Jan 17, 2016

A very stupid move to say the least! Bash   In this day and age especially when it involves big money, "BE CAREFUL".  People do whacky things. Bang Head  It's a known fact that your life changes when you win big money. Dance

 Most of us LP Members have written plans that we will follow after a win. The world will be screaming to the winners, "Come on out!".  The world did not win, YOU did. Follow your plan to the best of your ability.

 We may not be experts here on LP but we have picked up some wisdom along the way.

 Dead

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

This is also not some big city they are living in, it is a small quiet town not a criminal city full of thugs. Let's get real. People said the same thing about the West family on here back in 2007 and how they would squander it all or have criminals after them etc, yet I have not seen one story about them since. They won $340 million and have been long forgotten except by us hardcore lottery affectionados.

GiveFive's avatarGiveFive

What do they call the person who graduated last in their class in Law School?

A LAWYER!

Either the lawyer is totally inept or he's looking to cash in big on The Robinson's windfall.  G5

GiveFive's avatarGiveFive

Quote: Originally posted by Slick Nick on Jan 17, 2016

A very stupid move to say the least! Bash   In this day and age especially when it involves big money, "BE CAREFUL".  People do whacky things. Bang Head  It's a known fact that your life changes when you win big money. Dance

Nobody wants their life to change after a big win. It's not unusual for big winners to state they want to "just be myself" and continue living their everyday lives. How many times have we seen a jackpot winner say "I'm still going to be me"?

Unfortunately for The Robinson's, they don't have any choice in the matter because their life is going to change whether they want it to or not.  Changes started happening to them the minute they stepped in front of the TV cameras on The Today show. People going about their everyday lives don't end up on The Today Show. G5 

mightwin's avatarmightwin

Not sure where this article came from but,To collect their riches — a lump sum of nearly $328 million after taxes..........sorry but 328 million before taxes

Enigmas

The lawyer sold them out for free publicity for his firm. Well played...

mightwin's avatarmightwin

Quote: Originally posted by Enigmas on Jan 17, 2016

The lawyer sold them out for free publicity for his firm. Well played...

I Agree!

jacintasc

Quote: Originally posted by Enigmas on Jan 17, 2016

The lawyer sold them out for free publicity for his firm. Well played...

That's what I was thinking as well. But anyone who has any common sense will steer clear of this attorney. And it is totally wrong for the attorney to get his daughter involved in the legal affairs of any of his clients. Looks like the attorney and daughter have fishy motives here Oogle

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Quote: Originally posted by mightwin on Jan 17, 2016

Not sure where this article came from but,To collect their riches — a lump sum of nearly $328 million after taxes..........sorry but 328 million before taxes

No, the original share was $528 million split 3 ways. So $328 sounds about right.

haymaker's avatarhaymaker

Quote: Originally posted by sirbrad on Jan 17, 2016

This is also not some big city they are living in, it is a small quiet town not a criminal city full of thugs. Let's get real. People said the same thing about the West family on here back in 2007 and how they would squander it all or have criminals after them etc, yet I have not seen one story about them since. They won $340 million and have been long forgotten except by us hardcore lottery affectionados.

You have a point there...I don't know who the West family is,

2007 is before I joined but I don't recall hearing of them anywhere.

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Quote: Originally posted by haymaker on Jan 17, 2016

You have a point there...I don't know who the West family is,

2007 is before I joined but I don't recall hearing of them anywhere.

Yeah they were long forgotten by most, as usual. Every one is just all hyped now because it's the recent winner, and largest winner. But they will be forgotten too eventually and new members won't even know who they were in a year or more. Hard to believe now but I seen it happen over and over again. The focus is always on the "present winner". The only ones remembered are the worst extreme cases. Most people don't want to remember the successful ones but I do.  https://www.lotterypost.com/news/161092

fja's avatarfja

Quote: Originally posted by tnlottodreamer on Jan 16, 2016

My mother and father in law live in Munford and my parents use to live there too and so did I. I live very close to Munford and from what I have heard the Townsend's are a shady family. I think one of them own a used car lot in Millington. Looking forward to seeing if they will help the little city in Munford. Me and my husband were married in Munford,TN in 2006.

better call Saul

Brcebrce

Nice but did you watch the show? He wasn't exactly squeaky clean but a very sharp person and a very good laywer. Really doubt he would want his clients in the spotlight.

mightwin's avatarmightwin

Quote: Originally posted by sirbrad on Jan 17, 2016

No, the original share was $528 million split 3 ways. So $328 sounds about right.

Huh? The cash value was 983 million for the jackpot, divided by three winning tickets is roughly 328 million per winning ticket before taxes

scarchelli's avatarscarchelli

Correct, it should say before taxes. Before it is 328 mil and after 25% federal withholding, a little less than a quarter of a bil.

rooster8786

You just won $528 MILLION and you go on national tv with your attorney, BEFORE you actually claim the money. Oh, and your attorneyis a bankruptcy and divorce lawyer. This  family is a disaster waiting to happen...

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Quote: Originally posted by mightwin on Jan 17, 2016

Huh? The cash value was 983 million for the jackpot, divided by three winning tickets is roughly 328 million per winning ticket before taxes

$528.8 million before taxes for the annuity I did not say anything about the cash value I said that was the share. Not sure of the exact cash value but either way who cares as it will be a lot more than they will know what to do with. But that is what was on the big check. As I said before I find it amusing that so many on here focus on is the "taxes" instead of focusing on the much larger portion that was won. If I won that much money I would not care about the taxes, it is way more money after taxes than most would have and more than most have ever won. I would never spend it all anyway. People just like being negative because they are mad they lost so they focus on "taxes" and how "stupid" they were. But that doesn't affect them or their winnings in the least. They are some VERY rich stupid people regardless of what option they take.

cbr$'s avatarcbr$

Literally the Layer threw them under the bus with the wheels still rolling for free publicity. I don't understand this attorney at all. The attorney suggested they go on the "Today" show. Had his daughter set it up. Then the daughter go to NY with them. WHY? His secretary could have done the same thing. Guess what, I bet she wouldn't been mention or seen. Now, Lisa Robinson has to rush to the phone to call her friends to put up No Trespassing signs up. This attorney needed or wanted to make a big name for himself. He want to be a house whole name. This attorney put them at a high risk for some publicity. Knowing that these people are going to follow his recommendations. He is supposed to be looking out for their best interest.  He is seeking personal gain & in reality recognition.

scarchelli's avatarscarchelli

That is entirely wrong.  Taxes ARE absurd. Not "were". I don't give a <snip> if I didn't win, taxes are ridiculous, no matter what.  They take 25% of my 1 mil if I won second prize at some point.  Plus I owe the government the other 14.6% at the end of the year.

That's focusing on the bad? That's criminal to take that much. 

This post has been automatically changed by the Lottery Post computer system to remove inappropriate content and/or spam.

music*'s avatarmusic*

Quote: Originally posted by scarchelli on Jan 17, 2016

That is entirely wrong.  Taxes ARE absurd. Not "were". I don't give a <snip> if I didn't win, taxes are ridiculous, no matter what.  They take 25% of my 1 mil if I won second prize at some point.  Plus I owe the government the other 14.6% at the end of the year.

That's focusing on the bad? That's criminal to take that much. 

This post has been automatically changed by the Lottery Post computer system to remove inappropriate content and/or spam.

 Change who you vote for at your voting booth. Then call, write, email your Congress.

mightwin's avatarmightwin

People focus on the taxes a lot, because that takes a big chunk away from what was won. Media talked about a billion dollar jackpot yet nobody was going to end up with a billion dollars at all even if it was won by a  single winner. 983 million dollars cash option and a single winner  would end up with only roughly half of that amount in the end. ....... that's what makes people mad

DELotteryPlyr's avatarDELotteryPlyr

Quote: Originally posted by cbr$ on Jan 17, 2016

Literally the Layer threw them under the bus with the wheels still rolling for free publicity. I don't understand this attorney at all. The attorney suggested they go on the "Today" show. Had his daughter set it up. Then the daughter go to NY with them. WHY? His secretary could have done the same thing. Guess what, I bet she wouldn't been mention or seen. Now, Lisa Robinson has to rush to the phone to call her friends to put up No Trespassing signs up. This attorney needed or wanted to make a big name for himself. He want to be a house whole name. This attorney put them at a high risk for some publicity. Knowing that these people are going to follow his recommendations. He is supposed to be looking out for their best interest.  He is seeking personal gain & in reality recognition.

"He is seeking personal gain & in reality recognition."

I Agree!

I the attorney is looking for 'his' win out of this. 

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Yeah but you should know how much taxes are taken out before you play, then if you don't like it don't play. But I am guessing you still did. With a jackpot this high there is so much left it does not really matter. I will take $300 million any day of the week. $300 or $900 million does not matter to me as I would never spend all of either. I think taxes are BS also in fact they are the biggest criminals of all time and win every time a lottery player wins. But it is not going to stop me from playing and enjoying what is left. I can make those taxes back easily if I wanted to through tax free investments. But as I said it is so much money that I would not really have to.

Ron5995

Quote: Originally posted by mightwin on Jan 17, 2016

People focus on the taxes a lot, because that takes a big chunk away from what was won. Media talked about a billion dollar jackpot yet nobody was going to end up with a billion dollars at all even if it was won by a  single winner. 983 million dollars cash option and a single winner  would end up with only roughly half of that amount in the end. ....... that's what makes people mad

And rightfully so. Annuity jackpots are deceptive in more ways than one:

  • Annuity value is not guaranteed for Powerball nor Mega Millions. They don't always pay out what they advertise. The Florida winner a few years ago was short-changed several million.
  • Annuity value is a fiction. The advertised amount doesn't exist. Rather the cash value is used to establish an annuity that will, over many years, payout the cumulative amount. Of course in the meantime, the value of the dollar greatly diminishes, which is how such an annuity can be offered in the first place.
  • Taxes. And a lot of them! Federal, most often state too, and, in some instances, even local, such as New York City.

A quick, rough estimate of the final take home amount is dividing the advertised annuity jackpot amount by 3.

For example, for the $1,586,400,000 annuity jackpot, using the rule of thumb of 1/3 would yield $528,747 million...

Winners in some states, such as Pennsylvania, would fare better, and could net much as $600 million (~38%) while winners in, such as New York, would net closer to the 1/3 value. It's not exact, but a quick way to determine roughly what one can expect after taking the cash option and after all taxes (the 25% Fed tax initially deducted by the lottery is typically not sufficient; winner will often owe the IRS more).

As for the TN family, hopefully, they come to their senses soon, before they're fleeced of their winnings. An attorney, along with their daughter, advising their client to go on national TV before even validating a $328 million cash value lottery ticket is likely not one should be taking advice from. I get the feeling there's going to be a reality show centered around this TN family in the near future on the likes of TLC.

greeneye's avatargreeneye

There is no shortage of stupid..Why would you want to go on a TV show?  I wish them the best and  I hope they get smarter after this and hopefully they will get in shape and lose some weight ...

RJOh's avatarRJOh

The Robinsons were going to be required to have a press conference any way and by going on the Today's show first they picked the subjects of the conversation. 

That took the wind out of the local lottery press conference which would have probably involved more questions about personal information they would rather not discuss publicly.

Stack47

Quote: Originally posted by sirbrad on Jan 17, 2016

Exactly as I said. I find all the negative comments to be odd and screaming of envy. Why in the hell would anyone even how a total stranger who won the jackpot spends their money and what decisions they make? They are just mad they did not win it so they trash them. Yet if they were never revealed and did it anonymously those same people would be saying it was "rigged" and that no one really won it. They are also mad because this goes against all of the conventional wisdom/advice of so-called "experts" yet there was no catastrophes to speak of. This only further proves that you don't even need a lawyer. Just because something is not a "good idea" also does not mean there is going to be a problem for certain. So many "experts" on here giving legal advice when they don't do it for a living, and all the brash assumptions that the lawyer is going to bleed them dry etc. You lost get over it. If you want to do all that crap if you win then so be it. But it is no one's business what these people do. I highly doubt they will have any issues like the minority cases do.

Also as I said before it is their choice if they want to keep working not yours. I don't agree with the mindset that all lottery winners should all the sudden do all moral things and help the world just because they won a jackpot. They won and it is their life and can do whatever they want to regardless of how much money they got. But it is kinda stupid to go back to a 9 to 5 when you could make a lot more money and have a lot more fun being self-employed. Also if they really wanted to help people they could start a huge business and create jobs. But some just want to relax and enjoy life. But for many work is all they ever knew and for many that does not change. They like to stay in their comfort zone, the money is just a bonus and financial security after the house and bills are paid off. Also not every one who winds the lottery is hounded as much as you think, only those who are really stupid or are in bad situations already. Kinda like Marie and Jack which were extreme cases and in the minority. But why would you even care anyway it is not your problem. I don't, I worry about myself not how others are handling their winnings. If I did not win I don't care.

Just goes to show you that not every "rule" applies all the time and most of the time you are not going to have any issues unless you are really stupid and have a shady lifestyle to begin with. Only the hardcore players on here care usually not most people out there. They lose and move on with their lives as those on here should do also. I personally would have not done the press conference until I had the cash. But this only goes to show you that not everyone needs to be worried even if they are not prepared. People act like every criminal in the world was out there waiting for them when in reality no one gave a crap and nothing happened at all. Not like he is carrying all that cash around in the open t was a signed lottery ticket, and as he said no one even knew him or who he was. So maybe it was smart to get it done quick before his identity was known. The fact is though you don't know what you will do until you get in that situation. That kind of money can change your thinking fast, especially if you are not a hardcore player and well prepped for it. I have been well prepared for a long time but even I want know for sure how I will feel and react until I win that large amount. But unlike most of these casual players I am prepared and ready and have been for a long time. And I think paying a team is a waste of money so I have prepared my own team for 10 years now which consists of me, myself, and I. Those are the only ones who will be getting a piece of the pie. I would be more worried about family, friends, accountants, lawyers, and financial advisors who usually are the real "crooks" you have to watch out for.

"So many "experts" on here giving legal advice when they don't do it for a living, and all the brash assumptions that the lawyer is going to bleed them dry etc."

Back in the day, people got all sorts of legal and financial information from their long distance truck driving brother-in-laws, but thankfully times have changed. I've noticed that most of our current "experts" are relatively new to LP.

"Also as I said before it is their choice if they want to keep working not yours."

This isn't the first ever ticket buying frenzy created by a huge jackpot nor the first time negative comments are made about the choices made by winners, but if our new experts stick around long enough, they will wonder what happened to Brad Duke, Bunky Bartlett, Gloria Mackenzie, and many other winners of past record breaking jackpots.

IMO, going on the Today Show was done to satisfy players from every state. There was no more to learn about them at Tennessee press conference and saying they will continue to work is just part of their charade.

"Only the hardcore players on here care usually not most people out there. They lose and move on with their lives as those on here should do also."

A week ago there were very few discussions on playing strategies; but lots of "how I'll spend my winnings posts". I guessing because after they realized they have no winnings to spend, it's time to criticizes the real winners. And of course pretend to the rest of us that know better because they are "the experts".

alsmurf4's avataralsmurf4

what Stack47 said

myturn's avatarmyturn

Quote: Originally posted by Abdi on Jan 16, 2016

Honestly,I do not see anything wrong with Tennesse Jackpot winners!

They wanted to use the opportunity to be well known people in the globe.They knew the whole World was asking one question "Who are the most luckiest People on earth?"

I agree, there is nothing wrong with the Tennessee winners. However, I do think it was very unwise to fly to a television studio to announce their win. 

 

If they want to be famous, that's their choice. But if they wish to continue life as normal, appearing on television is not the way to go about it. I hope future winners will learn from this and get GOOD legal and financial advice before they claim anything.

music*'s avatarmusic*

Quote: Originally posted by myturn on Jan 17, 2016

I agree, there is nothing wrong with the Tennessee winners. However, I do think it was very unwise to fly to a television studio to announce their win. 

 

If they want to be famous, that's their choice. But if they wish to continue life as normal, appearing on television is not the way to go about it. I hope future winners will learn from this and get GOOD legal and financial advice before they claim anything.

I Agree! they were unwise.

 Stack47,  Where else can we get legal advice for free?  Especially when it concerns the Lottery.

Nikkicute's avatarNikkicute

Quote: Originally posted by En ReVal on Jan 16, 2016

I just researched this and there is a Cynthia Stafford in WV and FL that has filed bankruptcy.  Not sure if we are talking about the same Cynthia.

Anyone want to link to the article stating she lost all her money?

Internet search has turned up nothing.

Where is everybody getting this information she went brokeWhat?

LottoMetro's avatarLottoMetro

Quote: Originally posted by Nikkicute on Jan 17, 2016

Anyone want to link to the article stating she lost all her money?

Internet search has turned up nothing.

Where is everybody getting this information she went brokeWhat?

Nikkicute's avatarNikkicute

Well dang!!Confused smh...

Never even heard of the guy who won $35million.

Thanks for the link.

Stack47

Quote: Originally posted by music* on Jan 17, 2016

I Agree! they were unwise.

 Stack47,  Where else can we get legal advice for free?  Especially when it concerns the Lottery.

But there are probably as many ideas on what to do after finding out they won a jackpot as there are people buying tickets. We still have people saying winners should form a Blind Trust without understanding that's giving full control of their money to probably a total stranger.

My favorite response is "Amateurs. Uninformed amateurs " as if there are professional jackpot winners. LOL

Seattlejohn

So, they actively pursue publicity due to advice from their attorney (who should be beaten, then sued into oblivion), but request that everyone "respect their privacy"?  Are they completely & totally insane?  They've just opened pandora's box; not only are their faces splashed everywhere (no more anonymity, ever), but now they're targets for every thief, swindler, scam artist, unknown relative looking for a handout, friend looking to make them their private bank for all sorts of high risk investment ideas, grifter, burglar, car thief, stalker, stranger looking for easy money & every other assorted mentally deranged loony.  Their lives as they knew it are over; winners who seek the limelight get thousands of phone calls, e-mails and letters every week.  Look for their friends to start to turn their backs on them, for them to start arguing what to do with the money and for them to soon be featured in another episode of "Curse of the Lottery".  Ask Jack Whitaker & Dave Edwards...

MillionsWanted's avatarMillionsWanted

The attorney obviously think he will get a good part of that money. He even had his daughter with him.

Must be an amateur attorney.

One-Day

Here is a free video on lottery winners' vultures you guys might be interested in watching:

 

One-Day

"fresh" video I meant to write not "free".

DELotteryPlyr's avatarDELotteryPlyr

Quote: Originally posted by Stack47 on Jan 17, 2016

"So many "experts" on here giving legal advice when they don't do it for a living, and all the brash assumptions that the lawyer is going to bleed them dry etc."

Back in the day, people got all sorts of legal and financial information from their long distance truck driving brother-in-laws, but thankfully times have changed. I've noticed that most of our current "experts" are relatively new to LP.

"Also as I said before it is their choice if they want to keep working not yours."

This isn't the first ever ticket buying frenzy created by a huge jackpot nor the first time negative comments are made about the choices made by winners, but if our new experts stick around long enough, they will wonder what happened to Brad Duke, Bunky Bartlett, Gloria Mackenzie, and many other winners of past record breaking jackpots.

IMO, going on the Today Show was done to satisfy players from every state. There was no more to learn about them at Tennessee press conference and saying they will continue to work is just part of their charade.

"Only the hardcore players on here care usually not most people out there. They lose and move on with their lives as those on here should do also."

A week ago there were very few discussions on playing strategies; but lots of "how I'll spend my winnings posts". I guessing because after they realized they have no winnings to spend, it's time to criticizes the real winners. And of course pretend to the rest of us that know better because they are "the experts".

You make some great points, and not to sound 'corny' but this phrase applies - With great power comes great responsibly 

So this kind of wealth carries great responsibility and we are seeing 'cracks' in their actions.  They had to ask the press to leave their work alone.  They had to ask a neighbor to put up No Trespass signs.  Both ot these show that no one is 'thinking' about the implications of their actions.  Not them or their attorney.  A good attorney would have covered those simple issues and many more.

I missed HOW we know where they work? Did they mention that? Did a neighbor tell the press, as I have seen stories of the press talking to the neighbors. 

Also there was no need to fly to NY they could have done the interview from the local TV station and thus been alot 'safer'.

Saylorgirl's avatarSaylorgirl

I would have not done what they did.  But in all reality they had a pretty good weekend.  They held one of three winning tickets from the biggest lottery ever, flew by private jet to NYC, appeared on the Today show, validated their ticket at lottery headquarters, were advanced several million dollars, in another week all those zeros will be in their bank account and when they dream at night on what they could do with the money they can make it happen.

How was your weekend?  Did you do anything spectacular?

Funtimz's avatarFuntimz

Nothing played cool at all here...

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Quote: Originally posted by Saylorgirl on Jan 18, 2016

I would have not done what they did.  But in all reality they had a pretty good weekend.  They held one of three winning tickets from the biggest lottery ever, flew by private jet to NYC, appeared on the Today show, validated their ticket at lottery headquarters, were advanced several million dollars, in another week all those zeros will be in their bank account and when they dream at night on what they could do with the money they can make it happen.

How was your weekend?  Did you do anything spectacular?

Most on here just posted how "stupid" they were and were angry that they lost. They did more than most on here will ever do in their lifetime already. But their hating has ZERO affect on the family who is on cloud 9 right now and will be for a LONG time.

faber98

Quote: Originally posted by sirbrad on Jan 18, 2016

Most on here just posted how "stupid" they were and were angry that they lost. They did more than most on here will ever do in their lifetime already. But their hating has ZERO affect on the family who is on cloud 9 right now and will be for a LONG time.

what have they done? everything you post makes little sense. they did everything wrong. hillbillies taking advice from an incompetent lawyer. it is monday and they are back at work at jobs supposedly. what kind of idiots would do that. rich idiots but idiots nonetheless.

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Quote: Originally posted by faber98 on Jan 18, 2016

what have they done? everything you post makes little sense. they did everything wrong. hillbillies taking advice from an incompetent lawyer. it is monday and they are back at work at jobs supposedly. what kind of idiots would do that. rich idiots but idiots nonetheless.

The post above mine already covered that. How about they won 1/3 of the first ever $1.6 billion dollar jackpot? Like I said the haters on here do no affect their life and enjoyment. It doesn't matter what they decide to do. The fact is they have al the money and can whatever they want to, and financial security for life and probably for many generations which is more than most on here can say they have. No one knows crap about them or what they are going to do, and that is how it should be. They can do whatever hey want for the rest of their lives. They are just getting started.

faber98

Quote: Originally posted by sirbrad on Jan 18, 2016

The post above mine already covered that. How about they won 1/3 of the first ever $1.6 billion dollar jackpot? Like I said the haters on here do no affect their life and enjoyment. It doesn't matter what they decide to do. The fact is they have al the money and can whatever they want to, and financial security for life and probably for many generations which is more than most on here can say they have. No one knows crap about them or what they are going to do, and that is how it should be. They can do whatever hey want for the rest of their lives. They are just getting started.

they could start by not going back to work at their old jobs. their employers couldn't possibly want them back. if they do then they are as wacked out as they are. these people don't have a clue as to what to do and it would take a lifetime for them to figure it out. so they have the money and no idea what to do with it. of course people are going to take shots at them. they put a giant target on their back. it's open season on them from here on in. haven't noticed a lot of people congratulating them or being happy for them per usual for a winner of one of these. wonder why that is.

AbsolutelyFun

Yeah I've given it a lot of thought and Jason Kurland was one of the attorneys I'd call for assistance, advice etc.  Now that there is that Karen Gerstner  who handled 48 lotto winners she sounds like a good attorney to have on the team for again good advice and assistance. 

 

You have to be naive if you think that you will win millions and millions and that nobody is going to bother you even after your so called 15 minutes of fame and that the hype will disappear completely. Better safe than sorry is my motto. I actually pray for the Robinsons because they need help as they seem to be completely clueless what their attorney has done to them and how they could pay dearly for it.  I just hope that nothing goes bad for them. Good luck to everyone out there in the future who wins and please be careful and cautious.

Kingdarius615

You are correct,,, Georgia lottery let her go and we picked her up with a nice signing bonus.

Lucky4Life's avatarLucky4Life

Did anyone hear if they actually went back to work today???

AbsolutelyFun

Quote: Originally posted by RJOh on Jan 17, 2016

The Robinsons were going to be required to have a press conference any way and by going on the Today's show first they picked the subjects of the conversation. 

That took the wind out of the local lottery press conference which would have probably involved more questions about personal information they would rather not discuss publicly.

I would have to disagree with the thought that they have to answer any of the questions asked of them in the press conference.  Anyone with a good attorney would always be asked by that attorney about what questions they want answered by the attorney and what questions they feel comfortable fielding from the press if any. Some choose to not even answer questions so they allow their attorney to speak on their behalf making a statement then they make a statement which controls the questioning to zero which I find to be smart and his how Louise White/Sherbert Trust did it when she had her huge win.  (Her attorney was Jason Kurland and he has his own website thelotterylawer.)

 

The main issue here is that they appeared on National TV versus local TV. Better to have your press conference in just your state than nationwide, don't you think?

 

Granted these people did not have a good attorney (more like a horrible one) so yeah if they had endured a press conference then the press may have had a field day with them.  I assume they did a press conference when they made their claim the same day they did their Today Show appearance.  Anyone know where we can watch that?

AbsolutelyFun

Quote: Originally posted by rooster8786 on Jan 17, 2016

You just won $528 MILLION and you go on national tv with your attorney, BEFORE you actually claim the money. Oh, and your attorneyis a bankruptcy and divorce lawyer. This  family is a disaster waiting to happen...

Ya think?

faber98

Quote: Originally posted by Lucky4Life on Jan 18, 2016

Did anyone hear if they actually went back to work today???

yes, they both attempted to and were met at the door by their bosses or supervisors and were told that they were no longer employed there. they told them because of the tax bracket they were now in that it would not be worth it.

AbsolutelyFun

Quote: Originally posted by sirbrad on Jan 17, 2016

This is also not some big city they are living in, it is a small quiet town not a criminal city full of thugs. Let's get real. People said the same thing about the West family on here back in 2007 and how they would squander it all or have criminals after them etc, yet I have not seen one story about them since. They won $340 million and have been long forgotten except by us hardcore lottery affectionados.

I remember that win. That was in Oregon. Also that was in 2005 not 2007.  Glad they haven't made the news ever since they won. Good for them!

AbsolutelyFun

Quote: Originally posted by sirbrad on Jan 17, 2016

Yeah they were long forgotten by most, as usual. Every one is just all hyped now because it's the recent winner, and largest winner. But they will be forgotten too eventually and new members won't even know who they were in a year or more. Hard to believe now but I seen it happen over and over again. The focus is always on the "present winner". The only ones remembered are the worst extreme cases. Most people don't want to remember the successful ones but I do.  https://www.lotterypost.com/news/161092

Love that story! Beautiful and the way you do it when you hit it big!

Lucky4Life's avatarLucky4Life

Quote: Originally posted by faber98 on Jan 18, 2016

yes, they both attempted to and were met at the door by their bosses or supervisors and were told that they were no longer employed there. they told them because of the tax bracket they were now in that it would not be worth it.

Do you have a link??I would love to read that.

AbsolutelyFun

Quote: Originally posted by sully16 on Jan 17, 2016

Yikes, we haven't heard the end of these 2.

LOL

AbsolutelyFun

Quote: Originally posted by travelintrucker on Jan 16, 2016

They honestly think they are going to be able to keep their jobs?! Look at what happened to Brad Duke; and he didn't win nearly as much money as they did.

What happened to Brad Duke?  I recall he wanted to turn his winnings into a billion.  From what I can find on the internet he seems to be doing just fine.  Something bad happen to him?

ArizonaDream's avatarArizonaDream

Quote: Originally posted by Lucky4Life on Jan 18, 2016

Do you have a link??I would love to read that.

I think he made that up to suit his own ideas of what should happen. 

From what I read, Brad Duke tried to keep working at his job at the gym, but outside distractions made it too difficult.

ArizonaDream's avatarArizonaDream

It amazes me just how bitter some of you sound. 

Get over it. They won, you didn't. When you win you can do things your way.

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Yeah if you act like an ass at the press conference and answer questions like a robot, you are bound to get hounded even more later. They are a nice family and wanted to just be positive and tell the story. Not every body has to at like a self-centered paranoid idiot just because they came into to some big money. If anything you would be in more danger acting like a douche and annoy and piss off even more people. So I think they are all way ahead of most here actually. People today forget how to be nice and have no old school value. Everything is about being uptight, greedy, and law sue happy. It is quite pathetic.

It is good to see some genuine, nice, wholesome people win for a change. Yet you still have a bunch of idiots trying to bring them down and being negative towards them. People like them and that is safer than people hating them. They are down to earth and funny also. It is no one's business what they do with their money or whether they want to work or not. People are just raging because they want to not have to work themselves. But if you like your job and it gives you something to do as they said, "why should we?" So stop trying to make them do what YOU want them to do and worry about yourself and what you will do.

Stack47

Quote: Originally posted by DELotteryPlyr on Jan 18, 2016

You make some great points, and not to sound 'corny' but this phrase applies - With great power comes great responsibly 

So this kind of wealth carries great responsibility and we are seeing 'cracks' in their actions.  They had to ask the press to leave their work alone.  They had to ask a neighbor to put up No Trespass signs.  Both ot these show that no one is 'thinking' about the implications of their actions.  Not them or their attorney.  A good attorney would have covered those simple issues and many more.

I missed HOW we know where they work? Did they mention that? Did a neighbor tell the press, as I have seen stories of the press talking to the neighbors. 

Also there was no need to fly to NY they could have done the interview from the local TV station and thus been alot 'safer'.

I respectfully disagree because there is no disclaimer on lottery tickets requiring "a great responsibility" if the ticket happens to win a very large amount of money. At the end of the day the Robinsons did and are doing what they want to do regardless of of criticism from so called "experts". It was their "five minutes of fame" and is there really anything they could learn from the critics that never won a jackpot?

DELotteryPlyr's avatarDELotteryPlyr

Quote: Originally posted by Stack47 on Jan 18, 2016

I respectfully disagree because there is no disclaimer on lottery tickets requiring "a great responsibility" if the ticket happens to win a very large amount of money. At the end of the day the Robinsons did and are doing what they want to do regardless of of criticism from so called "experts". It was their "five minutes of fame" and is there really anything they could learn from the critics that never won a jackpot?

Yea, I fully understand your point and you are right - they can do what they want.  It is just sad when they put their trust in an attorney and then this happens.  Hoping for the best for them. 

And I also am VERY interested to know if they went to work today? 

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

The lawyer messed up as I barely remember what he looks like as I was looking at his daughter the whole time. I barely remember the Robertson's also. Hmmm maybe he is a genius. LOL

tnlottodreamer's avatartnlottodreamer

How would you know if they went to work today? I live very close to them.

Nino224's avatarNino224

I always feel pity for naive winners who choose to stand in front of a gaggle of reporters and hold a press conference, but watching this trainwreck on Friday was downright painful. This might just be the worst lawyer on the planet. The level of stupidity is off the charts here. At least the other dummy, the one bailing out her drug-dealing bf, is stupid in the name of love. 

Friday's spectacle was the pilot episode in a saga that will run for many years to come. You can expect a falling out with the idiot lawyer, problems at work, turmoil in the small town, and a spotlight on everything they do. And they can forget about privacy. They will be besieged by people wanting handouts. 

It's Jack Whitaker all over again, but with social media and hackers thrown in the mix for extra chaos.

Crikey!

camcomr

i know who the winner is in Ca, she is a black female and have great people behind her doing things the smart way.

fatedtowin87

They need to fire that lawyer ASAP. If I said I wanted privacy and my lawyer brushed that aside to boost the career of him and his child who just happens to be a writer for a local magazine, with the claim that the American public wants to know about me, he'd be out the door with a quickness. Seriously, this family should've hired someone who'd worked with big lottery winners in the past, not this sleazy ordinary joe.

faber98

Quote: Originally posted by sirbrad on Jan 18, 2016

The lawyer messed up as I barely remember what he looks like as I was looking at his daughter the whole time. I barely remember the Robertson's also. Hmmm maybe he is a genius. LOL

like anyone cares if you have the hots for the lawyer's daughter. same post on three threads. and by the way i didn't play.

destinycreation

Quote: Originally posted by camcomr on Jan 19, 2016

i know who the winner is in Ca, she is a black female and have great people behind her doing things the smart way.

This font is too small to read !!  I had to magnify to 150% !!!

Suzy-Dittlenose

Quote: Originally posted by camcomr on Jan 19, 2016

i know who the winner is in Ca, she is a black female and have great people behind her doing things the smart way.

If the font is too small, it's not worth the reading.  Skip it and read the next comment in line.

sirbrad's avatarsirbrad

Looks like they are trying to stay anonymous with that font. LOL I doubt they know the winners. Black girls win all the time, and usually it never ends well. LOL So it is easy to predict that. I can see the font OK but I have a 33 inch LED for my PC and a 55 Inch for my TV. Maybe it is her posting who won you never know. LOL

KY Floyd's avatarKY Floyd

Quote: Originally posted by Suzy-Dittlenose on Jan 20, 2016

If the font is too small, it's not worth the reading.  Skip it and read the next comment in line.

It wasn't worth reading regardless of the font size. It's just one more internet user crawling out from under their bridge.

rundown99's avatarrundown99

I have a question.  Why didn't they just form a trust to claim the prize like the previous powerball winner from Tennessee?  I didn't think Tennessee lottery winners could remain anonymous, but last year, someone from Tennessee formed a trust to remain anonymous.

faber98

Quote: Originally posted by rundown99 on Jan 21, 2016

I have a question.  Why didn't they just form a trust to claim the prize like the previous powerball winner from Tennessee?  I didn't think Tennessee lottery winners could remain anonymous, but last year, someone from Tennessee formed a trust to remain anonymous.

it's more or less answered in the title of this thread. "lottery veterans question tennessee family's behavior before claiming powerball winnings". although filthy rich, they're not about going to win the first briliancy prize in a chess tournament if they played in one. it seems they fell for a unscrupulous lawyer who wanted gain some fame and fortune and talked them into not doing that. form a trust that is.

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