There isn't a very meaningful distinction between "has root access" and "can get root access at any time by pushing out a binary update that your device will automatically install".
Nexus devices (i.e. the one with the most Google backing) can be completely re-flashed with a firmware that won't accept updates from Google's servers (e.g. with CyanogenMod). If you want an Android device free from their "imperialism", they've always offered one.
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Citation needed, to say the least.
Running open-source software from Google as root doesn't mean that Google has root access to your device.