According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE addressed Lars Sullivan's bigoted comments online at least a year ago. They had known for quite some time what he'd said when he was brought to the main roster and the plan was to just "ride out the storm" when they inevitably resurfaced.
Things have spiralled in recent weeks because Sullivan has made multiple apologies, been fined $100,000, and even some high-profile sponsors have reached out to WWE to find out what's happening.
What's particularly interesting, though, are Sullivan's reported anxiety issues which led to him missing that match against John Cena at WrestleMania. It's said that he wasn't dealing with "stage fright" and the reality was that he was more concerned about those controversial comments resurfacing and the impact those would have on him, his family, and WWE.
As for that $100,000 fine, it's said that the hope is it will make it clear WWE has taken the matter seriously and the plan is for it to be deducted from his salary moving forward as he would be unlikely to have that sort of cash lying around, especially as NXT's top stars only tend to be on around $80,000 a year.