HEMPSTEAD, N. Y., Dec. 5 -- New York Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis faces drug and other charges after he was stopped last weekend in Hanover, N. J., en route to the Jets training facility.

Ellis, the Jets' defensive co-captain and their longest-tenured player, was charged with possession of marijuana, driving without insurance and speeding.

The Morristown, N. J., Daily Record said Ellis pulled even with a police car, briefly slowed down, and then passed it.

A police report said Ellis was "uncooperative" and refused to give his paperwork to the officer, but played in last Sunday's 34-17 loss to the Denver Broncos, the newspaper said.

"I apologize to my family, the fans and the organization," Ellis said in a statement. "As a captain, I set a poor example for my teammates as well as all NFL players. Although this is a pending legal matter, I understand that I have to be responsible for my actions."

Ellis' status for Sunday's Jets game at San Francisco was not announced. (UPI)