Darts star heartbreakingly admits he has been ‘lying to himself’ after being thrown out of the World Championship for failing a drugs test – and opens up on ‘traumas’ from his early life

Darts star Dom Taylor has apologised for failing two drugs tests in just over a year after he was thrown out of the World Championship on Friday. 

Taylor, 27, cruised to a 3-0 win over Oskar Lukasiak on his Ally Pally debut last Sunday and was due to face Jonny Clayton in the second round of the tournament.

But the Bristol-born star returned an ‘adverse analytical finding’ following his victory over the Swede, triggering his immediate suspension from all competitions governed by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA).

That came after he served a one-month ban last year when he was found to have taken drugs ahead of the World Championship, although they were not performance-enhancing. 

In a lengthy Facebook post, The Tower heartbreakingly opened up on his personal struggles, revealing how a succession of family traumas resulted in him turning to ‘substances’. 

‘The first thing I need to say is sorry!!,’ the world No 65 began. ‘I’m 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.

‘Also, I need to apologise for blatant lying to you all in my interview after my win against Oskar last week, as I have been lying to myself and everyone around me.

‘It is no excuse but all I can put it down to are the traumas I had in my early teen life, finding my deceased nan in bed at the age of 12. Then, within a year, multiple other events happened including my brother having a heart attack and being non-response for 45 minutes, along with a very close friend dying of a brain tumour, which all hit me very, very hard.’

He continued: ‘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.’

Taylor, who is suspended from all competitions ahead of a DRA disciplinary hearing, was initially banned for two years after his failed drugs test last November. 

However, that was reduced to three months as the drugs were not performance-enhancing and had been taken out of competition, before this went down to one as long as he completed a ‘Substance of Abuse treatment program’. 

Taylor revealed he would now seek help after Christmas and added: ‘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.’

Speaking after defeating Lukasiak last Sunday, Taylor had been asked about how hard it was to recover from the initial ban.

‘Massively, biggest let down of my life,’ he said. ‘But I’ve rebounded back, and here we are.

‘I wasn’t speaking to anyone, keeping myself to myself and just practising. If I didn’t believe I was going to walk home with a million pounds, I wouldn’t be here.’

A PDC statement announcing Taylor’s suspension read: ‘In line with its ongoing anti-doping procedures the PDC and DRA are conducting drug testing during the 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

‘On 19 December, the DRA was notified of an adverse analytical finding in respect of the player Dom Taylor resulting from a test conducted on 14 December.

‘As a result of this and in line with relevant DRA processes, Dom Taylor has been suspended from participating in any DRA regulated events with immediate effect.

‘This matter will now be the subject of a disciplinary process in line with the relevant DRA Anti-Doping Rules.

‘The DRA will not be making any further comment pending the outcome of this confidential process.’