Darts star Dom Taylor has issued an emotional apology after being suspended from the PDC World Championship following a failed drug test, citing his daughter’s death and mental health struggles
Darts ace Dom Taylor has issued an apology for “blatant lying” about his drug use in a post that saw him reveal the impact of his daughter’s tragic death.
The 27-year-old shared a lengthy statement on his Facebook page after being kicked out of the PDC World Championship on Friday. Taylor was due to play Jonny Clayton last night, but the Welshman received a bye.
The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) confirmed on Friday that Taylor had been notified of the result from a test on 14 December and had been suspended from participating in the remainder of the tournament. The Bristol-born player had defeated Oskar Lukasiak 3-0 and pocketed £25,000 for winning his first round tie. However, due to Taylor’s suspension, his prize money was withheld.
Now, Taylor has taken to social media to apologise for his actions – just a year since he failed another drug test before the 2025 Ally Pally tournament.
The world No. 65 had stated he had bounced back from that failed test after his match against Lukasiak last Sunday, calling it the “biggest let down of my life.”
This was, however, before a second failed test on the same day. Taylor wrote: “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 said he had finished the programme he was required to complete following his suspension last year, which saw a potential two-year ban reduced to three months.
He then revealed the trauma he endured during his teenage years, explaining: “It is NO excuse but all I can put it down to is the traumas 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! !”.
“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 season. He confessed: “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.”