Darts player Dom Taylor has publicly apologized for deceitfully concealing his drug use in a heartfelt message that also delved into the sorrowful passing of his daughter. The 27-year-old penned a lengthy statement on Facebook following his expulsion from the PDC World Championship recently.
The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) verified on Friday that Taylor had received notice of a positive drug test from December 14, resulting in his suspension from the remainder of the tournament. The player, originally from Bristol, had previously triumphed over Oskar Lukasiak 3-0, securing a £25,000 prize for his initial victory.
Nevertheless, due to Taylor’s suspension, his earnings were withheld, and his scheduled opponent for the second round, Jonny Clayton, advanced directly to the third round post-Christmas.
Taylor has taken to social media to express regret for his behavior, just twelve months after failing a drug test before the 2025 Ally Pally event. The world’s 65th-ranked player stated that he had recuperated from the previous failed test after his match against Lukasiak last week, labeling it as a significant disappointment in his life. However, another failed test occurred on the same day.
In his public statement, Taylor expressed his apologies for his actions, admitting to deceiving himself and others in an interview following his victory against Oskar. He acknowledged completing the mandatory program following his suspension last year, which had been reduced from a potential two-year ban to three months.
Furthermore, Taylor disclosed the traumatic events he faced during his teenage years, attributing his struggles to those experiences. He mentioned the impact of his daughter’s recent anniversary of passing, which led to a resurgence of mental health challenges and a return to substance use for coping.
Taylor revealed his intention to seek assistance after the holiday season, recognizing the need for support and regretting missed opportunities to reach out earlier. He expressed his remorse to his family, fans, and supporters, vowing to return stronger in the future.