Erin Andrews Privacy Invaded through "Peep" Hole

Let's be honest: We've all at least seen still shots of the Erin Andrews peephole camera debacle.

Sports betting fanatics took time away from their daily investigation of betting odds to finally get a glimpse at something they were probably curious about for the past four years, seeing Erin Andrews undressed.

However, as amusing as it may be for the testosterone-filled fans out there, the issue raises even bigger questions. Have we gone too far with investigative journalism, and how far is too far when it comes to unedited internet media sites?

Let's back up. Obviously, the man (or woman?) with the camera stuck in the hotel peep hole of Ms. Andrews' door is the first individual to blame. However, recent reports have stated that the video has been in existence for many months, floating around various adult websites under an anonymous name not mentioning Andrews. This means that there is a site out there which either stumbled upon or actively sought out this piece of footage, and chose to post it knowing not only the legal consequences it could face, but the harm done to Erin Andrews herself.

It's a scenario we've all thought about, surely: What if there was a video of my attractive co-worker floating around--would I watch it? Well, such is the situation employees at ESPN in Bristol are in, and unfortunately, many of those have probably answered "yes" to that query. How in the world can Erin Andrews ever walk through those hallways again?

For years, the world of sports journalism was void of silly stunts such as this one, and tabloid reporting in general. Athletes with off-field problems, such as Mickey Mantle and countless others, were left alone. Now, anyone even vaguely involved in the world of sports is constantly under a microscope--even our sideline reporters.

Pompous journalists like to declare that there are no heros in the world of sports anymore, but the reasoning behind that can be traced right back to the very scribe who makes that declaration. Sometimes, things don't need to be reported. There are times when ignorance is bliss, and when it comes to the privacy and home life of athletes and those involved in the sport, that certainly rings true. They are not politicians--their morals and other elements are not necessary knowledge for the public. And certainly, neither is now they look without clothing.