As far as I know, the Galaxy Player isn't even on the market yet [1]. However, it does very much look like an older generation iPod touch. It even has the same color scheme and metal rim.
But no, I don't think the release of the Galaxy Player has much to with it. I'm willing to bet Apple would've sued Samsung anyway, as Apple has been hunting Android handset makers since early last year.
iPod touch: http://media.obsessable.com/media/2008/09/12/575/apple-ipod-...
Galaxy Player: http://www.samsunghub.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/galaxy-...
But no, I don't think the release of the Galaxy Player has much to with it. I'm willing to bet Apple would've sued Samsung anyway, as Apple has been hunting Android handset makers since early last year.
[1] http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/samsung-galaxy-player-4-a...