Meet Curt Miller’s Sons Shawn and Brian – Everything You Need to Know About LA Sparks’ Coach’s Adopted Children

The Los Angeles Sparks will clash against the Seattle Storm in their first preseason game on May 4. The Sparks might field two of their new players – Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson. But much of it will depend on their head coach Curt Miller, who was appointed to this position in October 2022. 

Miller, a veteran coach, despite his achievements, feels a hollow heart. He has two adopted sons but the 55-year-old lacks the familial happiness that he once thought his sons would give him. Though, Miller gave his family life his all yet he feels lonely at times.

Curt Miller adopted two kids with his ex-partner Jamie Broadwell

Miller was a couple with Jamie Broadwell, whose sister gave birth to two twins – Brian and Shawn Seymour. Born on Christmas day in 1994, the twins were adopted by Miller and his then-partner. They accounted for the lack of responsible behavior displayed by Broadwell’s sister who was into drugs. Miller at the time had taken on the onus to give both the kids a stable and bright future. However, things changed as they grew older.

The twins reached high school sophomore only to grow diametrically opposite. While Brian wanted to become a physicist and was also in cross-country running, Shawn was entangled in drugs, and robbing cars. It was not expected of Shawn initially because Miller’s other son and his twin Brian were engaged in constructive things.

Miller himself was shocked upon getting to know this. “He couldn’t have been more of an angel,” Miller remarked before sinking in shame and guilt while stating  “I don’t know what changed.”

Miller was so concerned for Shawn that he resigned from Indiana’s head coach position. At that time, he wanted to give Shawn more time so that it would help him walk the honest and noble path. As is the case, destiny had other plans for Shawn. Miller was stressed for his son and one day Miller’s nightmares turned into reality when he received a message from Indiana’s campus.

Curt Miller receives the biggest setback of his life

The Pennsylvania-born was given a description of a perpetrator and Miller lost all he had at that time. Miller recounted that moment for the New York Times and admitted to feeling “a pit in my stomach.” He went on to reveal that “he(Shawn) hadn’t been home the night before.” All hell broke loose for Miller and he knew that Shawn had found himself in deep waters.

The incident that changed it all felt like a story just years ago, but with Shawn, the horror had materialized. A 19-year-old Shawn was part of armed robberies in Bloomington and Monroe County. But the police caught him. Rather than giving up, Shawn pointed his gun at the police officer. And shots were fired. A bullet just left a grazing mark on Shawn’s head, which became a symbol of what could have followed that night had he not given up after that. But thankfully for Miller, Shawn’s life was safe.

A trial took place and Shawn was sentenced to 13 years in prison. But for Miller that was just the beginning of a second chance. He used to regularly communicate with Shawn, trying to instill in him a love for the moral and ethical code. He would often instruct him to be morally upright and also remind him that this was his second chance at life, which he could capitalize on, if he abided by the law and brought a change in his personality. Miller would also often quote lyrics to inspire a sense of righteousness in Shawn apart from cheering him up for the bright future that lay ahead.

As per CT Sports, Shawn looks to have mended his ways as he calls his family for 30 minutes every day, updating them about the books he is reading and the programs he is watching on TV. With this, it looks as if Shawn is taking his second chances seriously and wants to not repeat any mistakes he committed when he was too young to understand the grave consequences of his actions.

Curt Miller finds peace in his second son, Brian 

As for Brian, Miller has found an ever-supporting and loving child in him. During the same interview, Miller revealed that he loved doing “dad things for him” and rejoicing in it. He was the Connecticut Sun’s coach back then and always looked forward to meeting with Brian.

Brian was getting his degree in journalism major while Miller took every opportunity to play the role of a dad and a caretaker. He would look after the garden, crop out any weeds, take care of the flowers, and trim excessive hedges. Apart from that, Miller would also clean cars, get them serviced, get gas for them, and also look after their registrations.

While Miller has bitter-sweet memories with his children, Shawn’s realization and his subsequent change can to some degree give Miller back his family satisfaction. Till then there is always Brian standing at the back and being the good son for Miller and helping his dad recover from his loss.