The cops are watching and re-watching the Eric Dane nude/threesome/non-sex tape -- just like we are! Unfortunately for McSteamy and his two costars, I don't think it's for the same reasons.

The LAPD has confirmed that detectives are investigating a copy of the tape, given to them by an unnamed source (we know it's country singer Mindy McCready, who allegedly stole it from Kari Ann Peniche), who claimed the flick "contained images that could link celebrities engaging in illegal activity."

So, Eric, Rebecca Gayheart, and Kari Ann could be in some trouble.

According to police, the tape also "included archived articles and photographs of porn stars and formally convicted madams, which could readily be found over the internet." But "no determination has been made as to whether or not the DVD contained any information that could be used for a criminal investigation." 

The McSteamy couple's lawyer released a statement Monday, calling the tape "a private, consensual moment involving a married couple, shot several years ago, which was never intended to be seen by the public."

They never are.