Morning Jolt: Giants, Jets in war of words

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
May 2, 2011

Monday, May 2

Today's must-see content delivered straight to you.

Not even a lockout can stop the Jets and Giants from playing The Feud. Giants PR guy Pat Hanlon responded to coach Rex Ryan's claim in his new book that the Jets would have beaten the Packers had they made it to the Super Bowl. "Talk is cheap. . . You gotta be in it to win it." Hanlon wrote in separate Twitter posts Saturday. The Jets lost to the Steelers in the AFC Championship game then Pittsburgh fell to Green Bay in Super Bowl XLV. Also in the book Ryan said that the Jets were the football big brother to the Giants. "I really do feel guilty when I take advantage of these opportunities. The playing field's not level, I admit. But it's fun, a diversion," Hanlon wrote. (New York Post)Comment

Feliz done starting ... or is he?

An experiment is taking on a new phase for the Rangers and Neftali Feliz. [Feliz] does not want to be a starting pitcher anymore. At least, he told a reporter from USA Today that before Sunday's game with the Athletics. After the game, Feliz spoke with reporters from Texas and backtracked on his statement. He was more vague about his future. "Right now, I'm focused on being healthy and getting back to being the closer," Feliz said. As to whether he wants another chance to start next season, Feliz said, "Right now, I'm not even worried about that. Right now, I'm just focused on being the closer. Right now, I'm trying to get back healthy. I'm not thinking about being a starter or not being a starter." ... [Feliz on Sunday morning told USA Today] that he made the decision that he wanted to be a closer for the rest of his career. (MLB.com)Comment

Pacers ready to move on minus Bird?

The Pacers are reportedly not waiting for Larry Bird to meet with owner Herb Simon before reaching out to possible front office candidates. Pacers Sports and Entertainment president Jim Morris recently contacted the San Antonio Spurs to talk to assistant general manager Dennis Lindsey about a potential front office position, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation. Talks did not last long because Lindsey, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, told the Pacers he wouldn't talk with them as long as Bird and general manager David Morway are under contract. Bird, Morway and the entire coaching staff are in the final year of their contracts. ... Bird may fly to California to meet with Simon this week. Simon wants Bird to return, but the Pacers president has some financial and personnel issues he wants resolved. (Indianapolis Star)Comment

Must-See Photo

Serge Ibaka and the Thunder get a taste of how Zach Randolph and the Grizzlies upset the top-seeded Spurs in Round 1, losing to Memphis 114-101 in Oklahoma City Sunday. (AP)

Must-See Video

Phillis fans react in the ninth inning of last night's matchup with the Mets after hearing news of the fall of Osama Bin Laden.

Game To Watch

The Mavericks head to L.A. for a second-round showdown of the West's two top remaining seeds, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

SI Vault: More Stan Musial

This Day in Sports