For most of 20 years, the debate surrounding Pete Rose's gambling and Baseball Hall of Fame candidacy has been static, in both senses of the word. Lots of noise, for sure, but little shift in public opinion.

With baseball's steroid controversy, however, the conversation has gained a new element. While support for Rose's place in the Hall remains virtually unchanged since the day he accepted a lifetime ban 20 years ago this Sunday, a new USA TODAY/Gallup Poll reveals a shifting public sentiment:

Three out of four respondents said they viewed the use of performance-enhancing drugs as a more serious offense than Rose's admitted betting on games of his Cincinnati Reds.