PDC World Championship player Dom Taylor has been suspended after failing a drugs test and has since released a heartfelt statement on the matter, opening up on the death of his daughter
Dom Taylor in action at the PDC World Championship(Image: Getty Images)
Darts ace Dom Taylor has issued an apology for “blatant lying” about his drug use in a heartfelt post that also touched on the tragic loss of his daughter. The 27-year-old released a lengthy statement on Facebook after being ejected from the PDC World Championship on Friday.
The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) confirmed on Friday that Taylor had been notified of a positive test result from December 14 and was subsequently suspended from the remainder of the tournament. The Bristol -born player had previously defeated Oskar Lukasiak 3-0, earning £25,000 for his first-round victory.
However, due to Taylor’s suspension, his prize money was withheld and his second-round opponent, Jonny Clayton, was given a bye through to the third round after Christmas.
READ MORE: Why Jonny Clayton isn’t playing tonight as World Darts Championship ban explainedREAD MORE: Darts star fails another drugs test and is booted out of World Championships
Taylor has now taken to social media to express remorse for his actions, just a year after failing another drug test ahead of the 2025 Ally Pally tournament.
The world No. 65 claimed he had recovered from that failed test following his match against Lukasiak last Sunday, describing it as the “biggest let down of my life”. This was, however, before a second failed test on the same day.
In his statement, Taylor said: “The first thing I need to say is SORRY!!
“I am sorry to every single one of my family, friends, sponsors, management team and most important of all, you guys, all my fans be it outside of darts or inside of darts, the game/ sport I love the most.
“Also I need to apologise to blatant lying to you all in my interview after my win against Oskar last week, as I have been lying to MYSELF and everyone else around me.”
Taylor acknowledged he had finished the course required following his suspension last year, which was reduced from a potential two-year ban to three months.
He then revealed trauma he experienced during his teenage years, saying: “It is NO excuse but all I can put it down to is the trauma’s I had in my early teen life.
“Finding my deceased nan in a bed at the age of 12, then within a year multiple other events happened including my brother having a heart attack and being non-responsive for 45 mins along with a very close friend dying of a brain tumour which all hit me very, very hard, my parents being the great parents they are got me counselling and help at the time but in hindsight I should of had more than just that little bit!!
“My parents being the great parents they are, got me counselling and help at the time but in hindsight I should have had more than just that little bit. I have let many people down to say the least but most importantly I’ve let down four main people, my two daughters and my two biggest fans. My grampy passed before I made it.
“All I’ve ever wanted was just to make everyone proud, which I hope I have done until this moment. I know everyone, including my dad and family, are very upset and disappointed in me.
“The anniversary of my daughter’s death this year hit me very hard, too, and that’s when I started struggling with my mental health again, and turned back to substances to allow my body and head cope with things. Not needing to worry about anything.”
Taylor revealed he plans to seek help after the festive period.
He continued: “I now know that I should have spoken to someone, be it my management, family or the PDPA. But that’s all good saying afterwards when your world crashes down after you think you can handle everything as you always have done and tried to think you’re being the strong, tough person and can deal with it all yourself.
“Things didn’t help that I recently missed my uncle’s funeral as I was playing at the Players Championship, trying to secure qualification in the Worlds.
“I know how Cammy (Menzies) feels. And he knows where I am if he wants to chat. Again these are not excuses, nor am I trying to get myself out of anything. I am sincerely sorry to everyone and I will be getting the help I need. Thank you to you all for your support and we will see you again in time to come because I will be back to prove. I am sorry to you all.”
