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. . . Taylor opens up on drug rehab
Don Makanyanga
HAVING spent three months in a drug rehabilitation centre, former Zimbabwe cricket captain Brendan Taylor now feels like a new man and wants to champion the fight against drug and substance abuse, as well as corruption in sport.
Last year, the 37-year-old was ignominiously suspended for three-and-a-half years by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the anti-doping code and also receiving a US$15 000 “deposit” for spot-fixing.
Taylor, who has been lying low as he serves his suspension, last week opened up to The Sunday Mail Sport on his time in rehabilitation and plans for the future.
“Yes, it’s been a while; been two years since I last played cricket.
“Life is certainly a lot better than what it was . . . three years leading up to 2021,” said Taylor.
“I have been very focused on spending time with my family, and you just cannot put a price on that. So, obviously, I missed a lot of time with my wife and kids, whether that was touring or whether that was in a state of mind, that was not very good.”
He also spoke about his battles with drug and substance abuse.
“I am very open and honest about my journey because it can impact some people,” he added.
“And I know there are some people who don’t want to talk, or, you know, open up with these mental health issues, which is leading to drug and alcohol abuse.
“You know, the anxiety, depression, bipolar — there is a lot of drama that comes with the substance.”
Through his foundation, he has since embarked on a mission to both raise awareness on problems associated with drugs and build a rehabilitation centre.
“The main objective is basically just to spread awareness, share my story and how vital it is to have a facility, the only facility which is really concerning in the whole of Zimbabwe,” adds Taylor.
“There are many rehabs or detox centres, but really, at the end of the day, they do not solve anything. They do not have a solution — a lifetime of sobriety and clean living.
“Some of these places are either profit models or just basically heavy, medicated models.”
His fundraising drive for a rehabilitation centre has found support from Gary Ballance, Chevrons coach Dave Houghton and Zimbabwe rugby senior team players.
“I have done two 50-kilometre walks.
“I am very fortunate enough to have done one with the Zimbabwe rugby boys, and Dave Houghton and Gary Ballance came and did a lap around.
“I am really grateful for the support and backing. This is a much-needed facility and we need to carry the message and spread the awareness, which needs to reach far and wide in our country.”
Drug and substance abuse, Taylor added, was prevalent in sport, and having had a first-hand experience as a sportsperson, he is willing to take a leading role in advocacy work against the scourge.
“Unfortunately, drugs are very prevalent among sportspeople and all kinds of sports, and I have seen that along the way.
“Sadly, I am not the only one, and that’s the thing that people don’t understand about it.
“I would love to be an advocate for that, whether it’s in Zimbabwe, certainly in Zimbabwe, and with the ICC because I know it stretches worldwide in cricket.
“I want to make an impact with Zimbabwe cricket but, at the same time, make sure that our guys are well-equipped for what’s out there.”
He painted a gloomy picture of the drug menace that is slowly eating into the fabric of sport.
“It’s quite horrific. I am always going to be vocal about it. I am always going to be carrying my message forward.
“And you know, if it resonates with one person or two people, then it’s impactful, anyway.”
ICC suspension
Taylor said his suspension by the ICC has not slowed him down.
“I have used it to really upskill myself in many, many aspects and with the coaching front, talking, public speaking.
“There is also the ambition to write a book,” he said.
He hinted that he is open to taking up coaching in the game that gave him fame.
“I do love my country. I do love Zimbabwe cricket and I believe I can do great things with the talent and the young generations that are yet to come.
“So, it’s quite a goal of mine . . .
“I do miss the competitive edge, but at the end of the day, I will be very honest with myself: (I can only contribute) if I can offer something at a high level — not just where I was, even though I was still contributing in a dark, dark mental space — but I need to be performing a lot higher than that, and if I can’t do that, I will certainly not even consider coming back.”
Online Reporter