Darts player Dom Taylor has issued a public apology after testing positive for banned substances twice in the space of 14 months, leading to his removal from the PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace.
The 27-year-old from Bristol was expelled from the tournament on Friday following an "adverse analytical finding" from a sample taken on December 14, just days after his opening-round victory.
In a lengthy Facebook post on Sunday, Taylor expressed remorse for deceiving those around him.
The world number 65 also admitted to "blatant lying" during his press conference after defeating Oskar Lukasiak 3-0, acknowledging he had been dishonest with himself and others.
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He said: "The first thing I need to say is sorry!!
"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."
Dom Taylor has issued a public apology
|GETTY
He added: “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.
"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."
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Dom Taylor was suspended with immediate effect
| PDCHe continued: “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 had previously been sanctioned in January following a positive test at the Players Championship Finals in November 2024, which prevented him from making his debut at Alexandra Palace that year.
Dom Taylor has been kicked out of another darts competition in 12 months | PAHe initially faced a two-year suspension, but this was reduced to three months after a disciplinary panel determined the substance was not performance-enhancing and had been consumed outside of competition.
The ban was further cut to just one month after Taylor completed a UKAD-approved treatment programme for substance abuse.
He 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."
Five things to know about the sport of darts | PAThe darts player concluded: "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.”
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