Tennessee Couple Claim Powerball Winning Jackpot | TODAY

The Powerball frenzy continues over the 3 winning tickets sold in Wednesday’s record-shattering lottery jackpot. John and Lisa Robinson are a couple from Munford, Tennessee who say they’re holding one of the winning tickets, and, under the guidance of their attorney, decided to announce it on the TODAY show. The Robinsons, along with their attorney and their daughter Eileen, join TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie and Carson Daly to reveal how they came to hold what they say is the winning Powerball lottery ticket.
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Tennessee Couple Claim Powerball Winning Jackpot | TODAY

[@JerseyRepresenting]

This makes no sense. Did this family never hear the horror stories of lottery winners? They put their DAUGHTER on NATIONAL TELEVISION!? Seems like a great way to feed your family to the sharks. Good luck, new rich people. WHAT KIND OF LAWYER SAYS "GO PUBLIC!"?! This just screams stupidity.

[@nexusutube]

+Jersey Representing That lawyer is only looking out for his own interests by trying to get fame for himself.

[@nexusutube]

***** I've noticed that virtually 100% of the comments about this lawyer here and other news sites are against him. If he wanted fame for his career it will probably backfire.

[@f3rg971]

+Jersey Representing This family is no stranger to feeding.

[@drewtrummel1021]

+Jersey Representing They're from Tennessee, Do you expect anything other than stupidity?

[@sueblack5794]

+Drew Trummel Yet if there was ever a societal collapse they would be your kings candy arse.

[@eliubfj]

Seem like a genuine kind hearted, Hard working family, Wishing them all the best.

[@deoxeshunter132]

they will probably be killed

[@deoxeshunter132]

I agree with you 100%

[@MrAreas2]

***** You're getting worse and worse.

[@ryancooper2901]

Bunch of fat people

[@dek1518]

That was the dumbest lawyer decision ever. "Hey let's get on the plane right away to NYC to go on the Today show to tell the world before claiming it". Very. Smart. Wow

[@exsxpx1]

+Nanda K and have the winner pay for air fare, deal?

[@pieapp4652]

+exsxpx1 good one. haha

[@USATerry]

+Nanda K - I think he wanted publicity.

[@gillettecrackers]

+Nanda K Smartest lawyer decision ever. He wants the publicity for his own law firm AND for his daughter's fledgling news career. Dumbest decision by the winners, though, short of ripping up their ticket.

[@anthonyfusfeld2586]

+Nanda K, also carry the winning ticket with them BEFORE actually reclaiming it alongside the fact that they went on public with this... God! How much of a simpleton do you have to be to make such fatal mistakes ...

[@silentx9476]

Very dangerous decision

[@bdlin01]

that is very true

[@Kanibulus]

Why the hate?

[@ch215]

+Shruk Everyone here is butthurt.

[@chaseman94]

+Shruk because they revealed themselves, they were impatient, didn't officially go to the lottery office to claim it, and they did not have a plan that's why everyone is hating not because they won their portion of the money.

[@bdlin01]

***** Still, people could harass them and threaten to kill a family member of theirs for money

[@chimcharfan1]

Honestly i think the lawyer just wanted to be on tv and he just might have killed this family by telling them to do this

[@andrecappalot]

But they're also morons for listening to him, i would've fired that dumbass the moment he suggested that.

[@larrycastro7937]

+userName Yep, fire that dumbass lawyer. Joe, the dumbass lawyer.

[@MegaBallPowerBall]

+Kriss 22 NO. The lawyer wanted to become internationally known and a celebrity in his own right and thus used the Robinsons as best he could. They fired him after two weeks.

[@aprilelizabeth9769]

I REALLY hope they realize how stupid this was and get a new lawyer. That lawyer is going to manipulate all the money out of them. He's a shark. Nevermind all the other people in the world who are going to come after them now. The winners seem like nice people. Easy bait for bad ones.

[@MrGrizmint]

that daughter just went from a 2/10 to an 8/10

[@tfeild101]

She went from a 10/10 to a 10/10; I'm being honest and you shouldn't be rude

[@deeplydisturbed7601]

+Tyler Feildway Nice try, she wont read your comment and give you any money fool. Be honest.

[@tfeild101]

+Ollon Borre honestly I don't care about money, I didn't even think anything about it, I just can't stand when people are such jerks on the internet. And okay, maybe she isn't a 10, but she's definitely not a 2

[@deeplydisturbed7601]

Tyler Feildway Ok I have to agree with you there. Jerks on the internet is a big annoyance. There should be a built in tazer in every keyboard, that after you write anything that is purely meant to hurt you get hit by 25 000volts :) Peace to ya and enjoy ur ride here on planet earth

[@tfeild101]

+Ollon Borre hahahaha good idea! and enjoy your time here too! Earth is amazing

[@centuryt7043]

Worst legal advice ever.

[@TheRedSweater]

"You live next to the grocery store" Rip

[@SmoothS3TH]

+RedSweater Seriously, they gave away *way* too much information to be consider multi-millionares. If some not-so-nice person wanted to, I am sure with a little research you could figure out where they live, and possible take one of the children for hostage for the lottery money. They handled this very, very poorly.

[@georgyorgy2]

+DeadSilverTongue61 for ransom*

[@kingpintvhq7472]

+DeadSilverTongue61 I just found their address, I will not say it nor will I try to do anything. They should be more careful though. If I was that desperate for money I could do exactly what you said.

[@kingpintvhq7472]

+RedSweater I found the address of their home. I will not say it though nor will I try anything stupid.

[@xxGLhrMxx]

It was way too easy to find their address... just google one of the couple's names subtracting -Powerball, then the other, see which address shows up on both whitepage lists, bingo. Seriously, they need to get out of there ASAP along with their entire immediate family, possibly change their names and hire a new lawyer. You thought winning the Powerball was just fun? Think again.

[@personwhohaschanged]

they shouldve claim anonymous, hire lawyer, financial adviser, accountant,

[@Neceros]

+AndersonSilvaFTW Just a lawyer and accountant. Financial adviser will just keep taking and taking for doing the service the lawyer can do.

[@CrowdPleeza]

+AndersonSilvaFTW Claiming anonymous depends on the state. Most states don't allow people to claim anonymous.

[@sueblack5794]

+AndersonSilvaFTW In Tennessee part of winning the lottery, you have to be seen and make yourself public. Most states actually don't allow you to remain anonymous and you have to make a public appearance....but this couple didn't have to do it on national news lol.

[@AdrianGarcia-sf3uw]

+AndersonSilvaFTW Its not that hard, you don't need a financial adviser, take 20% put it in a checking's account, out the rest in either stocks or spider accounts, make a ton off of interest.

[@tonyantonio2]

+CrowdPleeza Most people in china wear a mask when they claim even when they can't

[@danielson5182]

Every single lawyer and professional “stay quiet don’t tell anyone” This lawyer “before you even cash the thing let’s go on live TV”

[@christiansotelo55]

Right

[@samora1050]

He’s probably one of the worst lawyers ever; I would never hit the media circuit 😅

[@ChaunceyDos]

Wow. Worst lawyer ever. This family needs to get a new lawyer.

[@CrimsonLoftwing]

This guy is the worst lawyer ever. If you want to stay anonymous, you don't go on National TV - he's doing them a huge disservice (admittedly, they don't seem too bright). Though Tennessee is not a state where you can stay anonymous, the lawyer could have helped them set up an LLC (limited liability corporation) to shield their names and identities. Oh well - RIP.

[@dotnetguru99]

+CrimsonLoftwing Tennessee requires you to come forward, publicly eventually.

[@marianasreality]

+CrimsonLoftwing A trust. Last winner set up one.

[@zacallen2520]

What a horrible lawyer.

[@q.l5480]

With all due respect they need a new lawyer. When a lawyer persuades you to do something against your wishes he or she has to go. They wanted to remain anonymous and he pushes them to go on national television, smh. Anyway best of luck to them.

[@adsensedd]

So they want to be anonymous after they get the prize, but here they are on television? The lawyer clearly looks like he thinks he has won. Does he expect to get a few million from it? Dodgy as hell.

[@draconian45]

The husband looks like the BTK killer and the lawyer looks like Mike Huckabee.

[@mikehunt8924]

Best comment!

[@YouTubeDeletesComments]

+draconian45 I thought the Lawyer looked like the guy from Candid Camera

[@charliec8679]

Lmao Draco- that's pretty much spot on. Hahaha

[@Sgt_peppers89]

Umphlove

[@aramisy.cajigas744]

Worst lawyer ever. Worst decision from a father. They got themselves killed after.

[@chonzerfool]

"it was the lawyer's idea." worst lawyer ever.

[@lonewolfnh89]

The other two winners are way smarter. They haven't made any news coverage yet.

[@slayerette86m]

No way would I have done this interview. No way. I imagine they're hearing from family members they didn't know existed!

[@davidlanier6079]

With heart and other major health issues sending out email notifications 4 years later isn’t very funny must have been more of the lawyer’s suggestions👎

[@rihabnacheb8542]

I received an email from them too , what should you do , is it a scam ??

[@aramisy.cajigas744]

Yes. Me too.

[@feanorian21maglor38]

@@aramisy.cajigas744 Me too. These things are always scams. People give money to charities in the normal way, not emailing random people.

[@aramisy.cajigas744]

@@feanorian21maglor38 Namárië, my friend.

[@feanorian21maglor38]

@@aramisy.cajigas744 Gi suilon, mellon.

[@Logan-su2yk]

"I'm finna go lay down" 😂

[@TioDave]

The lawyer just wanted the publicity.

[@BadMannerKorea]

I stopped less than a minute into the video when the guy said his lawyer told him to go public, WHILE STILL HOLDING THE LOTTERY TICKET. /facepalm

[@babsasf]

Fire that lawyer immediately! Go to one of the largest national firms in a large city and get a lawyer whose name is on the placard. Don't take one of their junior partners, get a guy who deals with people who have this much money on a daily basis. Get new phone numbers, make sure they are unlisted and get a P.O. box. Divert all mail to that p.o. box. Going ton T.V. was the biggest mistake you could've made right out of the gate. You need to go off the grid for a few months and hope people forget your faces. Good luck, you seem like nice people, but a lot of dirty people are working on all sorts of different plans to get some of that money from you.

[@roadsidehistory9813]

Ha ha I just got an email from there lawyer (lol) and the family wanted to give me 4 million and this link was in the email I’m laughing super hard right now

[@momoney4227]

me too 😂

[@victoria4781]

Same here

[@DoctorRickSanchez]

This man vibe is just hilarious that deep southern accent makes it better😂😂

[@pinkhare4344]

Better watch what your saying. That’s racist

[@johnlisarobinson8496]

My name is John Lisa Robinson from the United States. To know more about the Covid-19 funds donations. You are a lucky one to received

[@DoctorRickSanchez]

@@pinkhare4344 *Man stfu lol cry about it.*

[@johnlisarobinson8496]

@@pinkhare4344 My name is John Lisa Robinson from the United States. To know more about the Covid-19 funds donations. You are a lucky one to received

[@aidensheets8889]

I’m so happy for your family .

[@johnlisarobinson8496]

My name is John Lisa Robinson from the United States. To know more about the Covid-19 funds donations. You are a lucky one to receive

[@momoney4227]

@@johnlisarobinson8496 why do you guys always send me emails saying you want to give money? Like how did you even get my email anyway this is freaky.

[@coppernaut]

Sounds like the lawyer just wanted to be on the Today Show, at the expense of throwing the family under the bus. Not a lot of intelligence in this video.

[@nienryu]

They're already targets.

[@highnoonlasvegas]

"First, we must sign this Power of Attorney" said the lawyer, probably.

[@johnlisarobinson8496]

My name is John Lisa Robinson from the United States. To know more about the Covid-19 funds donations. You are a lucky one to received

[@iLikePotato3s]

LMFAOOO they didn't even claim the winnings LMaooooo

[@iLikePotato3s]

Well when this was filmed...

[@junk5354]

now he can afford to shop at Whole Foods

[@SanFranciscan415]

Worst "LAWER?" ever!

[@rosamquezada9911]

Many blessing for this Family, not sure why they would announce themselves on TV, my prayers to them , and hope they use it to good and wisely and no one takes advantage or causes any wrong to them.

[@johnlisarobinson8496]

My name is John Lisa Robinson from the United States. To know more about the Covid-19 funds donations. You are a lucky one to receive

[@monsetrujillosnmm1887]

❤🎉

[@reneelynn3949]

Let's all just go to TN, break into their house, and steal that unclaimed winning ticket. Actually, I wouldn't do that, but someone potential could. That family is sooooo stupid for going on national television BEFORE claiming!

[@BigMTBrain]

Truly, the most stupid way to handle a large lottery win. Now, despite all declarations of them not changing their current lifestyle at all, these people have set themselves up for kidnapping and ransom anywhere in the world. STEW PID!!!!! They should sue the lawyer for criminal endangerment (or something like that).

[@xDynastyHD]

"All but a handful of states (DE, KS, MD, ND, OH for now) have laws that require the lottery to release the name and city of residence to anyone who asks. Some states are considering anonymous claims." - Powerball

[@HiroshiKoto]

Such an idiotic decision to put your family in grave danger!!! Good luck is all I got to say.😔

[@humorbagelvlogs6432]

The only way this is not entirely stupid is if these people are hired actors to protect the actual winner. That would be genius.

[@MrJohnboyofsj]

The lawyer just wanted more money and to ruin their lives?

[@shadowspark]

+John Python Pretty much. People are ragging on the family for being dumb, but it's the lawyer that's the scummy one here.

[@alvaromorais_]

+Kevin Koyasako The family is still dumb. I mean, the man and the woman seem old enough to know this was quite possibly the dumbest decision they've ever made.

[@italiano100]

FYI setting up an LLC will NOT hide your identity. This is a huge misconception!

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

~ Congrats. Now you're on the" Most Wanted" list.

[@lydaz3562]

well, the lawyer wants some publicity sure. they got the good advice.

[@TheBigBentley911]

That lawyer should have his license revoked. What a dumb lawyer.

[@WillemRDH]

Damn. This is the dumbest thing I have ever witnessed a family do. And I've seen some Jerry Springer back in the day.

[@aramisy.cajigas744]

I received an email from these people. They're offering me $4M. What a scam.

[@skylinemksupra8955]

And then nobody wanna hire that lawyer after

[@JimmytheDoctor]

I'm from the same town (around 6,000 people) and I used to live right next to the grocery store they were talking about (Naifeh's). Some may be wondering why they chose to go on TV, being that I know the type of people that come out of my own town, it's probably because the average IQ of most Munfordians is under 100 and they didn't think of the repercussions.

[@allpremier]

All lies. Can't keep the story straight in a single interview.

[@wnahjkbaxter3117]

that's so Nice man I played that night too Wish I won but Happy for your Family God Bless

[@dizgroontled]

This doesn't make any sense. First off we all know this is a dumb move. But just the fact they contradicted themselves when they spoke. They say they only told their immediate family but had to ignore phone and texts from friends? What? Also that it wasn't verified yet the news has them on. It's not verified then the dad says that he verified it. Smells fishy.

[@jeannecahala4354]

I received an email and the link sent me here. Not sure where you got my information...good on you for winning and many blessings for your future

[@myron6305]

John and Lisa emailed me saying they want to give me a $1 million as a charity hahaha 😂 such a scam all around

[@ruthalfonso8985]

Myron McLaughlin omg I got this too I thought I was the only one

[@bxtrueswag]

Wow, and I thought I was special...🤦🏾‍♂️😪

[@dawnhinkle8821]

Just got 1 today 🙄

[@abeautifullife9594]

Haha me too !

[@acrawford7746]

I received the same email today 😂

[@frankgreco6930]

Thanks for your generosity and kind heart to the world

[@mikemillionaire81]

WTF! Is they thinking. I would have cash that ticket in the first moment I could. Just their Luck someone pickpocket him or he loses it.

[@larrycastro7937]

+mikemillionaire81 I thought what you said was hilarious. I can hear it now. The Robinson family after interview, get to the lottery headquarters and their all excited and the moment Lisa says to her husband " Get the ticket outof your pocket! " John goes to get that $528 million ticket out of his pocket and it's not there! A dream come andgone. What a nightmare! Lol.

[@kingwoods164]

Where’s the million dollars I got an email man GOD BLESS THESE PEOPLE IF THIS IS TRUE EVEN IF ITS NOTSTILL BLESS EM!!

[@dizzie337]

I did too!!! It’s my 3rd email received!! did you reply to it??

[@0880vsgh]

dizzie337 I got an email too did you reply to it

[@0880vsgh]

I got an email did you reply to it

[@dizzie337]

vilma Garcia yes..I replied to the 3rd one they sent me..of course I haven’t heard back..I looked into this, it’s a scam

[@0880vsgh]

dizzie337 thank you for letting me know and have a blessed day

[@swingdocta]

that lawyer suit cost more than my future.

[@hazza3]

2:36 the Camera man got lost there for second.

[@chbuddah86]

The worst part was, "Well Sallie Mae is paid off". ...I'm in that same boat though lol.

[@xxGLhrMxx]

R.I.P. John and Lisa Robinson from Munford, Tennessee

[@henrylivingstone2971]

What? They’re not dead

[@hoganlongfellow]

hahaha that lawyer hit the real lottery, he's gonna take those hayseeds for all their worth

[@landsbergerandy]

Fire the lawyer, the first wise thing to do, and hire someone else competent.

[@patrickm7754]

He could possibly go down as the worst lawyer in history. Exposing his new millionaire clients names and location to the whole world lmao

[@animesparkle2005]

So Tiffany lives a street down and they live next to the grocery store. Easy catch really... Lol

[@stevenfarley2893]

You are very blessed...Do good things,with the money an pay it forward,an give God all the glory

[@Kingjeffkoch]

I feel so bad for those guys, they don't even seem to understand what they just did, it's just so sad, they were so lucky and now they spoil everything. I say 5years then the money is away and/or someone killed.

[@larrycastro7937]

The family wants to go back to work. The family is in denial. Perhaps in a few months it will come into their brains that they can quit their jobs!

[@Useyno]

They must have never heard of the Internet.

[@arthemedus]

Or maybe the real powerball winners are using this as a cover-up

[@Lisa-xd7mj]

WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THE BEST ...

[@japanboy31415]

They better hire bodyguards after this.

[@TheUnPlayable]

Dead in less than 6 months. And shittiest Lawyer on earth.

[@brewster102]

The crazies on the streets of NYC were waiting for them to leave the studio

[@katrinadejesus6881]

I just got a email from their lawyer saying they want to make a donation for me and my children I replied but they ain’t answering so I guess it was a scam 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@jacquelinemccoy925]

Of course it was a scam. The idiotic Leftist Fake News Media is to blame for ADVERTISING their Names and their Winnings and other personal info so the scammers can scam people. The Media should have a Lawsuit slapped on them.

[@JonesCortes72]

I also just received an email. Donating me 4 million dollars. I live in Brazil, I had never seen talk about it.

[@steveshelton112]

@@jacquelinemccoy925 funny how all the fake talking crap always comes from the right. The difference between a conservative and a liberal is a liberal care about other people and a consecutive cares only about themselves. That is why a liberal is always trying to help others and a consecutive is always trying to stop people from helping others. Even a right wing conservative can understand this can't you?

[@andyhelm6063]

The lawyer knows the lottery commission will start giving FREE advice and help. That would cut HIM out from making his cut. Just our immediate family knew - We had to ignore a lot of calls from texas. So they were either ignorng family calls from texas or they are LIARS

[@josecoss5897]

Wow. That lawyer is so fired..

[@tracy7275]

Daughter worked all day after learning that her parents won 500 million - interesting

[@johnlisarobinson8496]

My name is John Lisa Robinson from the United States. To know more about the Covid-19 funds donations. You are a lucky one to received

[@cleo6205]

This lottery appears to be a black hole to line a pocket or two! Are these crises actors or what?

[@vickiefinney6073]

I received an email and a link that led me here. Trying to figure out what's going on, cause if this is real, then my family would have our lives changed. We are currently homeless living in a hotel and trusting and believing God for a miracle.

[@vickiefinney6073]

@aiya Singleton I've seen a lot of people on here talking about receiving it

[@zelphiafrazier1123]

I received an email and my spirit was lifted and I hope it comes through. I know God promises to supply our needs.

[@vickiefinney6073]

@@zelphiafrazier1123 amen. He sure does

[@Azola69]

@@vickiefinney6073 its not real lmao

[@vickiefinney6073]

@@Azola69 one could only hope

[@ehart9624]

they are on TV how much public can they get lol

[@chris-dd6uq]

The IRS is rubbing it's hands together like Birdman.

[@YouTubeDeletesComments]

Are they going to appear on the Ellen Degenerate Show and dance around with the ticket next?

[@bigcountry4287]

Who's here because you got a scam email lol?

[@awfab3517]

Thanks to me and everyone below me for losing, this wonderful family will be living like kings and queens

[@dirtynipples26]

lol something fishy alright

[@Moggray87]

He's like a real life Lionel Hutz

[@Jon_2010]

I'm proud of them for claiming the prize.

[@johnlisarobinson8496]

My name is John Lisa Robinson from the United States. To know more about the Covid-19 funds donations. You are a lucky one to received

[@iLikePotato3s]

Why would they agree to be on the news...

[@johnjardineiii9009]

They dont know any better? Stupid? Need Attention? Are BS Fake Profiles for their friends who promised them a million dollars to go on TV and look like Fools! (PICK ONE or MORE)

[@psp785]

what kinda logic is that we went public on tv but want to be private

[@jackiew4461]

That is so wonderful that you are able to share your winnings with people u don't even no I'm glad and proud to be chosen

[@biancarodriguez_9996]

Hey we’re you scammed? Lol just wonder bc I think I got the same email as you

[@cuddlesmee]

@@biancarodriguez_9996 yeah was this a scam? i’ve been getting it recently too

[@MonicaRodriguez-en4wo]

@@biancarodriguez_9996 me too

[@katlynpflederer9860]

Fire that lawyer ASAP. Nobody with your best interest at heart would tell you to go on a national news show before you turned in the ticket. Should of listened to your gut instead of that idiot lawyer who's probably just looking for his payout and 15 minutes of fame.

[@nanciqwerty]

Crap acting. Sounds like the organisers would rather keep the 1.5bln and pay some actors.

[@zelphiafrazier1123]

I wonder how long it will take for people to receive what the Robinson family says they are going to do. The overwhelming feeling is keeping my pressure up!!!

[@djdestroyer]

Worst lawyer -- what exactly is the point of this?

[@susanphipps481]

There is an email going around saying they would send me money, please do not expect this email it’s a hoax

[@gfunkonthecheesetree]

Lol, it is funny how the cameraman zooms in on the guy's face at 2:40. Get a really good look at who the winner is!

[@edunlap6594]

Good luck, folks!

[@sgonged]

They want to be private after this is over.......that will never happen now.

[@Scotsmania]

That lawyer is going to bleed them dry.