Update: Agent Says Ellison Didn’t Know Vicodin Was Controlled Substance

San Diego Chargers safety Kevin Ellison, who was arrested Monday in Redondo Beach on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, did not know that the 100 tablets of Vicodin police allegedly found in his car qualified as such, his agent said Tuesday.

Jerome Stanley told the San Diego Union-Tribune that his client, who had undergone multiple knee surgeries while attending USC, didn't want to run out of the pills.

"He thought it was a good idea to get enough painkillers to last the season," Stanley said. "They were for him to use because of his knee surgery."

Ellison, 23, was stopped for driving 40 mph in a 25-mph zone around Redondo Union High School on Monday afternoon, Sgt. Peter Grimm of the Redondo Beach Police Department said. When an officer searched his vehicle, he found 100 tablets of Vicodin on the center console, Grimm said.

Ellison was booked on one count of possession of a controlled substance at the Redondo Beach Jail, then released two hours later on a $10,000 bail bond, Grimm said.

"He's a little embarrassed," Stanley said.

Ellison is due in L.A. County Superior Court in Torrance on July 7.

The 6-foot 1-inch Ellison played for the Sea Hawks and USC before starting nine games as a rookie for the Chargers during the 2009 season and making 52 tackles.