Wow!! (all I can say)
At first, my money was on the idea that the winner was in debt or legal finacial trouble.... something along those lines. But then, I thought to myself " Why doesnt the idiot just get a freind or family member to claim it?"
Then I thought perhaps the winner was some wanted felon or on the FBI's most wanted list. lol Then again, Unless this person was just straight up paranoid, they too could hire a buddy or family member to claim it.
Often times, people hire attorneys to claim Lottery winnings to avoid public spotlight and attention. However it is to my understanding that the winner's identity MUST be revealed to the Lottery regardless. ie. if you owe money on a student loan, they will pay that debt immediatley.
14 million has to be worth what? 9-10 million after taxes?
My point here is not even a fool would let go of that type of money. Even if you had to split it 50/50 with someone, just tell them where you bought it, about what time of day and thats basically it. Call it a life. Right?
So, my conclusion is that the ticket was in fact stolen. The thief hired a low life, shady lawyer to try and claim it. Heres the most disgusting part. I believe it was a violent theft. First consider having the winning ticket. This person would have to FORCIBLY remove it from your possesion. And how do they know it was you? Are you an idiot and announced it to the world? or where you happy and announced it to friends and family??? hmmm the plot thickens. Maybe dad or grandpa won and you cracked them in the head? You need to know where the ticket was purchased.... so this low life may have had to find a way to force the answer out of the victim. ( i know this is horrible) There very well maybe a murder investigation due to this.
Consider that the ticket was provided minutes before the deadline. How? How is this possible? I would purchase a plane ticket, the next available flight to Lottery Headquarters.... or my friend or family member.
So, my hopeful friends.... What do you think? Consider Lottery curse. There is no way in Hell that there is anything except evil going on with this winning ticket.