At least he's not AP?

[MgoBlue-LightSpecial]

Lottery's Biggest Loser: Albany Man Passed on Office Pool That Won $319 Million Jackpot

The group of seven lottery pool players that won last week's $319 million Mega Millions jackpot could have had an eighth member, but one unlucky man made a choice that cost him millions.

The New York co-worker who regularly played in the office pool opted out on the night they had the winning ticket, according to an Albany, N.Y., deli owner who knows the winners.

"They asked him a couple of times, and he didn't feel lucky," said Jill Cook, owner of Cook's Deli, where the group often comes for lunch.

She said she heard the news through buzz from the nearby office, adding that she felt "terrible" for the man.

The winners, apparently a group of New York state government IT professionals, have yet to come forward publicly to claim the prize. But lottery officials say they'll attend a news conference Thursday.

So far, the officials said, the winners have been huddling with lawyers and financial advisers as they prepare to split a jackpot worth $202.9 million after taxes, if they take the lump sum.

The group of seven includes a mix of older and younger employees who often bought lottery tickets together, Cook said.

The group didn't turn up for work Monday, Cook said, adding that she heard they have already quit their jobs. Many people who know them say the winning ticket couldn't have gone to better folks.

"It was a blessing to hear that they won. They're great, down-to-earth people," Cook said, adding that she didn't expect the group to squabble over the money.

If there's any solace for the unlucky man who opted out, it may be the knowledge that big lottery jackpots sometimes come with big problems. All too often, winners can't handle the changes that come with an outsize check.

Take, for example, Jack Whittaker, who won the largest individual payout in lottery history, worth $315 million. After accepting the prize, Whittaker was sued, divorced and arrested for a DUI, among other wrenching family problems.

"It has certainly been a curse to me," Whittaker told ABC News.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/lotterys-bigge ... d=13256437

Sweet jesus. I think I'd have to Toddowen myself. Just wait until this guy hires a lawyer to go after what he'll perceive to be his rightful "share." I guarantee it's coming.

[BSmack]

And that is why you NEVER pass on an office lottery pool. You do NOT want to be the guy left behind to clean up after all the newly minted millionaires up and quit their jobs.

[smackaholic]

And that is why you NEVER pass on an office lottery pool. You do NOT want to be the guy left behind to clean up after all the newly minted millionaires up and quit their jobs.

this is why i drop 5 bucks a week on the work pool. i realize that the lottery is a horrible scam, but, the thought of being left there after everyone else quits is too horrible to imagine.

[R-Jack]

Obviously you are not looking at this from the career-advancement side of things.

[smackaholic]

Obviously you are not looking at this from the career-advancement side of things.

in a large company like mine, there wouldn't be advancement in it. a little more job security, maybe, but, mostly it would be miserable having to train a bunch of new idiots.

[R-Jack]

Obviously you are not looking at this from the career-advancement side of things.

in a large company like mine, there wouldn't be advancement in it. a little more job security, maybe, but, mostly it would be miserable having to train a bunch of new idiots.

Teach them everything they know, but not everything you know.

That 37 seconds of life lessons you can provide will save your job, that is until one of the paste snorting retards gains the cognitive skill of wiping his ass with toilet paper before he shakes your boss's hand.