The NYT article is too verbatim description of the LAM accident to sound credible. It was carefully timed to be released after nightfall in EU, ensuring maximum period of 'float' before official denial. It has achieved this, all news outlets are picking it up parrot fashion as fact.
I expect there will be a statement of sorts from BEA sometime in the morning, a couple of hours from now. Until then, I would give zero credibility to the story.
(Of note, I wholeheartedly agree with all the comments above that the reinforced cockpit doors are a safety risk, no matter whether it becomes a factor in this accident or not.)