Recently there was a published report with a headline strongly suggesting Ronde Barber will retire if Raheem the Dream does not return as coach.

The inference is that Barber is giving an ultimatum to Bryan and Joel: “Leave my coach alone or I’m gone.”

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

In the past 48 hours, Joe has spoken to two sources, both of whom are close to Barber. There is no ultimatum. Barber, who is tight with Bryan and Joel, is not trying to squeeze them on behalf of Raheem the Dream.

In fact, if Barber does retire, it will have little to do with Raheem the Dream.

Per Rotoworld.com, Barber’s current contract expires Aug. 1, 2011. There are serious rumblings that there may not be a 2011 season as there will be a work stoppage of some sort (strike/lockout).

Even if there is labor peace, through Joe’s two sources, Barber probably doesn’t want to play past his current contract.

What Barber doesn’t want to do is play for another new coach in another new defense, having to learn a completely new defense in his final year as an NFL player.

That will be Barber’s motivation for retiring after this season. He just spent a year learning a new defense. He doesn’t want to repeat that in his final days as a player.

Barber is not trying to hold Bryan and Joel hostage.