No, that was a fan speculating based on what they'd heard. That article even says it's "possible", not confirmed.
We really shouldn't quote Big Important Things from the panel until they've released the actual audio.
And they should release the audio as soon as possible, because people are going to keep misinterpreting things and making assumptions based on incorrect information.
1) Everything I've read points to the panel saying it. I do not see in any article that fan speculation was the source. The GameInformer article states, "BioWare confirmed...it's possible the game could occur during Shepard's lifetime".
2) Yes, I know it said, "it's possible". Nothing is confirmed, even if the quote did, in fact, emanate from Bioware as the article alleges.
3) Tell that to the journalists and the publications.
4) Audio, it's true, is the only proof.
Until then, I can only read what's written from mulitple outlets.