Lottery winners on the Today show

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

I haven't been in the room with the TV for every minute this morning, and I did tune in a little late, but Today has the couple from Tennessee that had one of the winning lottery tickets this week.

They seem like exactly the kind of folks that one would hope would win. They seem grounded, hard working average joes.

I'm questioning how smart it was to come out on national TV this way, though. The husband is caring the ticket in his hand/pocket, and until they announced on air this morning, pretty much only they, their daughter, a lawyer, and a finance guy (and a reporter that they contacted to hook them up with Today) knew that they had won.

I did hear them say that the lawyer suggested they take it to the media, and that way, they could control the story, rather than letting it get leaked.

Do you think that is good advice? I'm not sure.

What I am pretty sure of is that I'd not be carrying a ticket of that value around, traveling to a major city, and telling people on TV exactly where I was and what I had with me. I think if I was coming out with the information, it would be after we had claimed the winnings.

Anyone else have an opinion on their strategy?

winamac1 · ‎12-29-2010

@Mominohio wrote:
I haven't been in the room with the TV for every minute this morning, and I did tune in a little late, but Today has the couple from Tennessee that had one of the winning lottery tickets this week.

They seem like exactly the kind of folks that one would hope would win. They seem grounded, hard working average joes.

I'm questioning how smart it was to come out on national TV this way, though. The husband is caring the ticket in his hand/pocket, and until they announced on air this morning, pretty much only they, their daughter, a lawyer, and a finance guy (and a reporter that they contacted to hook them up with Today) knew that they had won.

I did hear them say that the lawyer suggested they take it to the media, and that way, they could control the story, rather than letting it get leaked.

Do you think that is good advice? I'm not sure.

What I am pretty sure of is that I'd not be carrying a ticket of that value around, traveling to a major city, and telling people on TV exactly where I was and what I had with me. I think if I was coming out with the information, it would be after we had claimed the winnings.

Anyone else have an opinion on their strategy?

I would not have gone on the Today Show unless I had a bodyguard until I received my loot.

"friends don't let friends drink white zinfandel"

missy1 · ‎03-10-2010

I wouldn't claim it that quick and go on tv. Maybe, since they went first, they might be forgotten because the other 2 winners haven't come forward, ...just thinking

Hayfield · ‎03-10-2010

I saw them on the Today show for just a few minutes. Seems that their lawyer advised them to seek out the Today show, the Today show didn't look for them. Strange advice from a lawyer. I would keep as low a profile as I could but different strokes for different folks. I do wish them the best!

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

I saw that they were going to be on the Today show and thought the same thing that the OP thought. I wouldn't be doing that until I had claimed the winnings. I do hope they had a bodyguard with them. I have no idea where you go to claim your winnings though. Would they have had to come to New York or was it just to be on the show? How do you claim your winnings when it's such a large amount?

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

Sunshine Kate · ‎03-10-2010

I read in some states the winner has to be publicly announced. Other states can collect their winnings and keep it private.

If I won and lived in a state that I could keep it private, I wouldn't even tell my family. My DH and I would keep it secret.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

Suddenly becoming so rich, I imagine you would need to have body guards and protection from people who may want to kidnap you or your family for ransom... Just another huge worry with so much money that I personally would not want on my plate.......

missy1 · ‎03-10-2010

http://www.today.com/news/powerball-winners-tennessee-couple-claims-they-won-jackpot-today-show-t672...

HULAGIRL · ‎03-10-2010

They're now what I call "stupid rich"! They probably don't even realize that they should now have security 24/7 and will probably hear from every creep wanting a handout icluding relatives they didn't even know they had..............this was a dumb move. I know eventually the winners have to come forward, but there needs to be steps taken ahead of time to protect yourself...........STUPID MOVE on their part to actually solicit the Today Show.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@winamac1 wrote:
@Mominohio wrote:
I haven't been in the room with the TV for every minute this morning, and I did tune in a little late, but Today has the couple from Tennessee that had one of the winning lottery tickets this week.

They seem like exactly the kind of folks that one would hope would win. They seem grounded, hard working average joes.

I'm questioning how smart it was to come out on national TV this way, though. The husband is caring the ticket in his hand/pocket, and until they announced on air this morning, pretty much only they, their daughter, a lawyer, and a finance guy (and a reporter that they contacted to hook them up with Today) knew that they had won.

I did hear them say that the lawyer suggested they take it to the media, and that way, they could control the story, rather than letting it get leaked.

Do you think that is good advice? I'm not sure.

What I am pretty sure of is that I'd not be carrying a ticket of that value around, traveling to a major city, and telling people on TV exactly where I was and what I had with me. I think if I was coming out with the information, it would be after we had claimed the winnings.

Anyone else have an opinion on their strategy?
I would not have gone on the Today Show unless I had a bodyguard until I received my loot.