ASHBURN - Washington Redskins fullback Mike Sellers apologized yesterday for throwing the American flag to the ground during lineup introductions before an exhibition against New England. “I meant no disrespect,“ he said. Sellers said he acted in the “heat of the moment” Friday night. He said he’s aware of proper conduct when it comes to the flag and should have known better, having grown up in an Army family.

Planning to display your American flag for the Fourth? Do it right. Basic respect is the key, according to Mike Darlington, commander of American Legion Post 354 in Bon Air. “The flag should be serviceable,“ Darlington said. “It shouldn’t be faded, torn or tattered. If it’s worn out, go ahead and replace it.“ If you leave the flag flying at night, it should be illuminated, Darlington said. If not, it should be taken indoors.

A Civil War battle flag—estimated to be worth as much as $500,000 and coveted by the Elkton Historical Society—has failed to sell at auction. The historic flag, which was flown at the battle of Port Republic as well as Gettysburg, was put up for sale Thursday by Cowan’s Auctions Inc. in Cincinnati but failed to elicit the minimum bid of $375,000, a spokeswoman for the auction house said yesterday.