The Olympics have always been an exciting time for viewers. Airing all day long, these events offer a chance for top athletes from around the world to showcase their talent and hard work.

This year, however, the Olympics became a chance for NBC and other news organizations to showcase their lack of ethics and taste.

On Feb. 12 Nodar Kumaritashvili died during a training run at the Whistler Sliding Center.

My problem is not with the International Olympic Committee for saying that the accident was caused by a mistake Kumaritashvili made, nor am I upset that officials continued to let athletes practice on the course.

My problem is that video footage of Kumaritashvili’s death was played and replayed worldwide immediately after his death.

Showing the video of Kumaritashvili catapulting off the luge track and hitting the beam is disturbing and disgusting. Further, showing a close up of his blood-covered face when he was clearly dead takes this to a whole new level of tasteless sensationalism.

This event should have been reported on, as it is something the public should know about, but it is just that: something people should hear about, not see over and over again.

What is the value to the public of repeatedly watching the video? What value is there in having us watch an athlete die? There was absolutely no reason that any news outlet should have shown that video at all.

Look at horse racing, a dangerous sport for both riders and horses. When a horse breaks a leg during the race, the animal is not put down while everyone is watching. Instead, a truck with a curtain is brought onto the track and the animal’s last moments are shielded from view.

If we can afford an animal the dignity of a private death, why did we not do the same for a human being?

It was distasteful and disgusting for NBC to air this video, not only once but many times throughout that tragic day.