On August 9th, 2024, a social media post containing an alleged audio clip of NBA star LeBron James criticizing Team USA head coach Steve Kerr went viral. The post, made by Twitter user @RealRobReinhart, claimed to have obtained “locker room audio” of James disparaging Kerr’s decision not to play Jayson Tatum during an Olympic semi-final game. The post included an image of James in a Team USA uniform and referenced a conversation with Kevin Durant after a game at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Analysis of Content
The audio clip features a male voice, purportedly James, using profane language to express frustration with a coach’s decision not to play a player referred to as “JT” (likely Jayson Tatum). Key points from the alleged statement include:
- The speaker claims he “can’t play for him [the coach] again”
- Accuses the coach of being “childish” and having something against JT
- States the team needs help and questions why JT isn’t being played
- Calls the coach an “idiot” and a “disgrace”
- Suggests that even if they win gold, it won’t be due to the coach
The emotional tone is angry and frustrated, with the speaker using informal, spontaneous language consistent with a private conversation.
Resemble AI Analysis
Resemble AI’s Detect tool analyzed the audio clip and determined it to be fake.
The attached visualization shows spikes in the “spoof” (fake) probability, particularly in the first 25 seconds of the clip. The final 5 seconds show a marked decrease in the spoof probability, suggesting potential mixing of real and fake audio.
Context and Implications
This incident highlights the growing threat of AI-generated deepfakes targeting high-profile athletes and celebrities. Several factors make this deepfake particularly concerning:
- Timing: The reference to Paris 2024 gives the content a future context, potentially influencing public perception of team dynamics ahead of the Olympics.
- Realism: The use of profanity and informal speech patterns lends authenticity to the fake audio.
- Potential impact: Such a statement, if believed, could damage relationships between James, Kerr, and Team USA management.
This case underscores the need for enhanced media literacy and the importance of tools like Resemble Detect in identifying and combating sophisticated audio deepfakes. It also highlights the vulnerability of public figures to AI-generated misinformation campaigns.
