Why doesn’t Stacey lash out at T.J. for bragging about his coat? Use evidence from the novel to support your answer.

Stacey doesn't say a word because he is aware of his own mistake. He allowed T.J. to manipulate him, and in turn, T.J. got what he wanted and Stacey was made to look like a fool. He wasn't about to draw attention to himself.

Stacey was restrained from plugging T.J.’s mouth by Uncle Hammer’s principle that a man did not blame others for his own stupidity; he learned from his mistake and became stronger for it.