Over the past week the Internet, newspapers, radio and television shows have been running rampant with speculation that the Minnesota Timberwolves either will or need to trade 8-time All-Star Kevin Garnett.

Recently Glenn Taylor came out to put Wolves fans fears to rest by saying there is no way he will trade KG, and that it has not even been a thought by the franchise. In this day and age of 24-hour sports coverage it is amazing to watch how one player’s comments can snowball out of control and force media frenzy.

One week ago Garnett was quoted on TNT’s Inside the NBA criticizing the Wolves management, or mismanagement of last season.

Those comments then prompted Charles Barkley to insist the Wolves trade KG.

Since then I have read about Garnett being headed to New York, Detroit and Boston.

What Garnett did was answer a question, and his answer was blown out of proportion and set off a chain of events that had every general manager in the NBA drooling at the prospect of plucking KG from the Wolves.

Terrell Owens did the same thing a few weeks back, he answered a question and soon the Eagles suspended T.O.

Fans and members of the media often criticize players who dodge questions or give clich answers, but look what happens when a player actually speaks his or her mind.

The media fallout can be dangerous, T.O. agreed with a statement and now his career could be over.

KG answered a question and everyone thinks he is unhappy with the Wolves and wants out.

As a public we need to decide what we want.

Do we want athletes that just show up and play at the highest level and retreat to their fortresses of solitude?

Or do we want to hear their opinions and learn who they really are?

Personally, I enjoy hearing an athlete speak freely, it makes them seem human, and allows the fans closer to the player.

In other instances it can turn fans against a player, or franchise. (See Owens, Terrell or Keyshawn Johnson.)

Plus, I don’t know where I would be without reading Mark Madsen’s Diary each Sunday here in the Tribune.