First Down

HE SAID WHAT?
“He was their player. They could have given their own player a sixth year. … They elected to make an offer of $70 million, which wasn’t enough to close the deal. — Agent David Falk on why the Clippers couldn’t retain forward Elton Brand

FRIDAY’S BEST BET ON TELEVISION

The Nationals take on Roy Oswalt and the Houston Astros at Nationals Park. 7:30 p.m. MASN

THE BEST OF THE WEEKEND IN SPORTS

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Tony Stewart has won twice in Chicago. So has Kevin Harvick. But never before has the race there been run under the lights.

IndyCar Series

The best open-wheel drivers head to Nashville, Tenn., Saturday night with 2007 champion Scott Dixon still holding a commanding lead in points.

Diamondbacks at Phillies

Two teams fighting to lead their respective divisions face off at Citizens Bank Park. See Chase Utley one last time before he ruins his swing in the All-Star Home Run Derby.

Tour De France

Riders take on the 139-mile ninth state of the tour Sunday, the longest leg of the grueling contest. The path from Toulouse to Bagneres-de-Bigorre has three mountain passes.

TWT FIVE: MOMENTS IN TIGER STADIUM HISTORY

1. The Tigers wrap up the 1984 World Series in Game 5 against the San Diego Padres as Kirk Gibson hits two home runs, including an eighth-inning shot off future Hall of Famer Goose Gossage.

2. In the 1971 All-Star Game, the American League breaks a nine-game losing streak with a 6-4 win. Reggie Jackson hits a home run off the right-field light tower, an estimated 520 feet.

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