Can the emergency brake make the transmission malfunction? (2000 XK8)

I took the car out today and as I drove out of my driveway it held onto first gear up to about 2500 rpm and wouldn't shift. As I got out on the main road it upshifted and seemed fine.

Returning from the store it did the same thing. I stopped for gas and checked under the hood and everything seemed fine.

As I pulled out of the station it actually free rev'd while in Drive and as I let off the gas it engaged like a "neutral drop."

I noticed the emergency brake light was on (the brake was not dragging) and so I completely released the emergency brake.

I drove the car a lot after that and the trans didn't act up at all.

I'm hoping maybe the e-brake had something to do with the trans acting up.

Probably a dumb question.

Thanks,

Tom