According to a report today by the Austin Amercan-Statesman newspaper, the winners of the Texas Lotto's $85 million jackpot have left town. The newspaper article also reported the winners would probably come forward next week.

Lottery regulations allow 180 days for the winner to come forward.

Rumors have been flying rampant for two days that the winner was everyone from former Gov. Ann Richards, to the wife of a lottery commissioner, the article stated.

In the article, the attorney for the winners, John Stratton, said "There's absolutely no connection between the ticket holders and the commission." Stratton would not confirm the winners are an Austin police officer and his wife, according to the news report.

The ticket purchased was a Quick-Pick, meaning the player let the computer pick their numbers for them, according the Texas Lottery Commission website. The ticket purchased was also bought using the "cash option", which means the state would pay one lump sum of $51.2 million, before taxes. The taxes on that amount is 30%, leaving the winner with roughly $35,840,000. The ticket was purchased in Austin, the night of the drawing.