A few casual observations while guessing that Steelers defensive back Anthony Smith prefers his toast burnt;

Is the public humiliation the Patriots administered the brash youngster what those Massachusetts legislators had in mind when they wanted to outlaw spanking?

All kidding aside, I can’t blame Smith for his foolish bragging. He’s young and obviously doesn’t know better. If you ask me (and even if you don’t, I’m going to tell you anyway), the blame lies squarely at the feet of Pittsburgh’s head coach, Mike Tomlin, for fostering an environment where a nobody like Smith feels it’s appropriate to run his mouth in the first place.

Bill Belichick has been in charge of the Patriots for 8-years now. Can you recall one instance when a Patriots player has given the opposition bulletin board material? No, you can’t, can you?

You know why? Because Belichick wouldn’t tolerate it and makes sure his leaders enforce his will in the locker room. Rookies and youngsters are taught they should be seen and not heard, and are reminded of that by veterans every time they draw a media horde around their locker. Before you know it, they’re towing the party line and doing their loudest talking on the field.

Yet here’s first year coach Tomlin, with a second year player who’s managed all of three career interceptions guaranteeing victory over an undefeated, though sleeping, giant. To make matter worse, another Steelers player told the Steel town media that Smith’s outburst at least got him on SportsCenter every day last week. They sure do have their priorities straight, don’t they coach?

One NFL player who should be a little more talkative is Michael Vick. On Monday, a federal judge sentenced Vick to 23-months in prison for his role in running a dog fighting operation. Prosecutors had asked for a 12-18 month sentence, but Judge Henry Hudson went above and beyond the recommendation because the fallen star QB reportedly hasn’t been very cooperative with authorities working on other dog fighting investigations, something he’d agreed to do as part of his plea deal.

Too bad Vick played for the Falcons instead of Tomlin’s Steelers. Not only would he sing like a canary against all the other canine criminals, he’d “guarantee” a conviction as well.

Still in search of a holiday gift for that local sports fan on your list? Head to the Barnes and Noble bookstore in downtown Lowell this coming Sunday between 1-3pm. WCVB-TV (Ch. 5) news and sports anchor, Bob Halloran, will be on hand to sign copies of his book “Irish Thunder: The Hard Life and Times of Micky Ward.” Ward will also be there to pen his John Hancock on the book, a must read for fans of “The Mick” and anyone interested in the Mill City’s boxing history.

Speaking of local pugilists, Ward’s nephew and protégé, Sean Ecklund, has quietly rung up four consecutive victories in the ring. Ecklund’s latest conquest came last Thursday at The Roxy in Boston, a 5th round TKO over Ohio’s Scorn Hatcher. The victory upped Ecklund’s professional record to 4-2.

And finally, from the “What a Country” department; did I read that correctly? Eric Gagne will get paid $10-million dollars to close for the Milwaukee Brewers next season, with another million in incentives on the table?

The last time such pathetic performances were so richly rewarded was when Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez cashed their “Gigli” paychecks!