Every couple of months the media, like a blind fullback, picks-up and runs in all directions (including backwards) with a story about the latest scandal involving an athlete. Each story, with headlines blazing and little concern for nuance or probing questions, recreates the classic battle between the hometown favorite and the visiting loser so that loyal fans will know who to cheer for.
The outing of Tiger Woods for an apparent out-of-wedlock affair once again opened the floodgate of media voyeurism. Over the last few years Americans have witnessed with tawdry fascination the outing of religious leaders, politicians (both Democrats and Republicans) and other celebrities. Many of these figures, especially hypocrites like Eliot Spitzer, David Vitter, Larry Craig and Ted Haggard, deserved the public shaming that the media spotlight brought upon them. However, the hounding of Woods may finally embarrass the 24/7 media spectacle to permit public figures, including athletes, the personal space needed to work through what surely must be a difficult experience.
Full story: 10 Biggest Sports Sex Scandals of All Time: How Does Tiger Woods Rate? | Sex & Relationships | AlterNet