Yesterday we brought you the not so surprising news that the Palm Pre would soon be available on the Verizon Wireless network. According to Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam, the Pre was set to roll out for VZW within about six months. Sprint's stock price took a dip at the news, and the Internet lit up like a river of flame in response to the McAdams' comments.

Today, Sprint fired back. A spokesman for the ailing carrier stated that the Pre's exclusivity contract with Sprint was going to last all of the way through 2009. Realistically, that means you Verizon people have a little over 7 months to wait before you get your shiny new Pres in hand. How ever will you stand it?

Verizon's comments yesterday were a pretty clear shot across the bow at Sprint. They sense blood in the water, and you're crazy if you think McAdam didn't know the effect his announcement would have on Sprint's stock price. If I were an executive over at Sprint, I'd be getting my golden parachute ready right about now.