Darts champion Dom Taylor has publicly apologized for his dishonesty regarding his drug use and reflected on the tragic passing of his daughter. Taylor, 27, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook following his expulsion from the PDC World Championship.
The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) disclosed that Taylor received notice of a positive drug test from December 14, leading to his suspension from the remainder of the tournament. The player, hailing from Bristol, had previously triumphed over Oskar Lukasiak 3-0, earning £25,000 for his victory in the first round.
As a result of his suspension, Taylor’s prize money was held back, and his next opponent, Jonny Clayton, advanced to the third round after Christmas. Taylor, who had failed a drug test prior to the 2025 Ally Pally tournament, expressed regret on social media for his actions.
Ranked No. 65 globally, Taylor claimed to have overcome the prior failed test after his match with Lukasiak, labeling it as a major disappointment in his life. However, he faced another failed test on the same day.
In his online statement, Taylor expressed remorse, admitting to lying about his situation and taking responsibility for his actions. He acknowledged completing the required program following his previous suspension, which was reduced from a potential two-year ban to three months.
Taylor then opened up about the traumatic events he encountered during his teenage years, attributing some of his struggles to these experiences. He recognized his letdown of various individuals, especially his two daughters and his biggest supporters, due to his actions.
The anniversary of his daughter’s passing heightened Taylor’s emotional distress, leading him to struggle with his mental well-being and turn to substances for relief. He revealed plans to seek assistance after the holiday season to address his issues.
Expressing regret for not seeking help earlier, Taylor acknowledged his mistakes and vowed to get the necessary support. He thanked his fans for their backing and assured them of his return to the sport in the future.