If the was even the slightest hint of truth in the rumor, it would have to be based on the idea that the stadium would involve the two favorite words of billionaires: "taxpayer funded. "
The city actually offered to pony up 200 million to help UM renovate the OB, but Shalala said no because "it wasn't right to ask the taxpayers to fund the stadium for University of Miami football." (yes, there is a certain irony that one of the most politically connected and influential Democrats suddenly became concerned about taxes, but I digress).
In any case, the possibility of having a public works project that could cost a billion dollars or more gives every politician a huge boner. Massive opportunities to steer taxpayer money to friends who then donate the money back to campaigns and essentially guarantees politicians a lifetime appointment. Given who is pushing for the stadium, I can see how something like this would happen.
BTW , agree that a 35-40k stadium is probably too small, but I would guess it would have a ton of luxury boxes that would make up a lot of revenue and there would probably be some kind of flex option for a couple games a year at Hard Rock. For example, if Wake was #2 coming into week 5 and it would be an expected high attendance game with College GameDay, the school could say the game was going to be held at Hard Rock.