"Started struggling with my mental health again and turned back to substances": Dom Taylor breaks silence over second failed drugs test amid family heartbreak

Dom Taylor has broken his silence after failing a second drugs test in the space of a year which saw 'The Tower's promising run at the PDC World Darts Championship go up in smoke.

Taylor had seen off Oskar Lukasiak but failed a drugs test shortly after and was suspended by the DRA pending a further hearing. But instead of remaining silent, Taylor has decided to tell his side of the story apologising in turn and explaining the reasoning behind it all.

The Bristol ace served a one-month ban just last year which saw him miss the PDC World Darts Championship. He had been set to face Jonny Clayton in a big Saturday night clash but failed the test and Clayton is through to post Christmas without throwing a dart.

The likes of Vincent van der Voort have since dubbed Taylor the biggest idiot to play darts and Paul Nicholson also was scathing about him failing the second chance he was given at the time after he failed his first test. He also copped criticism for in his words even 'blatantly lying' about his post drug ban redemption arc when he failed a test shortly afterwards.

He wrote on his socials that the death of his grandad one of his biggest fans, finding his nan dead in her bed at 14 as well as his brother almost dying due to a heart attack, a close friend dying of a brain tumour and the anniversary of his daughter's death saw him experience an emotional rollercoaster that has seen him turn to other means.

"The first thing I need to say is sorry," he wrote on Facebook. "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 is 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.

“My parents being the great parents they are got me counselling and help at the time but in hindsight I should have had more that 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.

“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.”

He said that he will seek help after Christmas for his issues and that he should've spoken up about it before. He said he is holding his hands up and isn't using it as excuses ahead of likely a lengthy ban heading his direction in the new year.

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.

“Things didn’t help that I recently missed my uncles’ 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. I am sorry to you all.”