I'd agree with you, Jordan ...if the ripping on these games were unwarranted. I'm not sure how basketball and hockey will do but football deserves a top 5 spot on worst game list, in my opinion.
I still maintain that with a little due diligence and taking the time to figure out the intricacies of the TV Sports games they can be a fun experience, especially with another player joining in. Are they masterpieces of video game programing? Certainly Not.
I'm still the type that enjoys "figuring a game out." Not all games are winners when you do this (I'm looking at you stupid, f*cking Darkwing Duck), but you can get some enjoyable experiences out of games that aren't intuitive from the get go.
Also, when I was you younger(since the TV sports games lack music) I used to pop in one of my favorite bands CDs into my TG16 CD drive and rock out while playing.
I presume you were rocking out to the pre air-raide vehicle version of your 2000 classic, "Rollin'"
You are a national treasure Fred, and don't let anyone tell you different!