FOXBORO, Mass.  As the Pittsburgh Steelers' walked off the field following their 34-13 loss to the undefeated New England Patriots here tonight, teammates pointed their fingers at second-year safety Anthony Smith who had "guaranteed" a victory last Wednesday.

Anthony Smith

"Damn, man--what'd you go and do that for?" said running back Willie Parker.  "We gonna have to give refunds now?"

Brady: Four touchdown passes.

"Naw, you guys didn't read the fine print," Smith explained.  "I never guaranteed a win--I said if we didn't win, and you saved your ticket and mailed it in along with your proof of purchase by December 15th, I'd give you a rebate equal to the amount by which the Pats beat the over," which was set at 47 points.  Because the game score equalled but did not exceed 47, the "over" bet set by Las Vegas oddsmakers, Smith is disclaiming liability.

"That ain't your receipt man--this is from Applebee's!"

Professional sports guaranties of victory are frequently given but rarely enforced.  The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act imposes significant penalties on interstate businesses that fail to live up to their promises, noted Morton Sokolow, an attorney for Smith who has defended a number of similar claims.  "Unless you're careful," he explains, "you could be in deep doo-doo."

Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady threw for four touchdown, two for more than 50 yards, both over Smith.  "I was tied up at the time," Smith said.  "Some guy tried to give me an Applebee's receipt for his proof of purchase."

Pittsburgh fans who travelled to the game will be given a free toaster oven and a Steelers' license plate frame.  "It's really our way of saying thank you to our loyal fans," said Smith.  "We don't actually owe them anything."