Barbieri and Parkinson's disease disclosure; Contract ploy?

Yes, I read the Scott Ostler piece about Ralph Barbieri's decision to go public about his Parkinson's disease affliction.

I wish Ralph the best and hope he can beat this. While I have some issues with his professional style on the air, I don't wish anybody any ill will nor bad health.

I do question the timing of this  disclosure, coming on the heels of Barbieri's impending contract expiration. I could be wrong.

I mean, it would be highly callous to nix Ralph, a 24-year veteran of KNBR, not to mention, potentially loads of future litigation against Cumulus. And I haven't even mentioned the PR fallout.

Here's another thing that may surprise you: even if it is a ploy, I hope Ralph wins. I can't stand the Dickey brothers. They are evil. They have ruined radio. They are all about what's wrong with corporate broadcasting.