WWE Fines Lars Sullivan $100,000 For Past Bigoted Comments

WWE has fined rising Superstar Lars Sullivan $100,000 for past comments made, mostly between 2007 and 2013, that were recently unearthed. The comments resurfaced in November of last year before dying down, but the troublesome controversy returned once again when WWE veteran and New Day member Big E publicly addressed them via Twitter:

Many are aware. If true, he has to bear the albatross of being a bigot & working in a company that is now filled with minorities.

— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) May 8, 2019

After facing pressure from fans, and as the budding scandal drew attention from major sponsor Mars Wrigley, WWE issued the following statement to me via email:

WWE supports a culture of inclusion regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation, and we are committed to embracing all individuals as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide.

Dylan Miley (aka Lars Sullivan) will be fined $100,000 and required to complete sensitivity training for offensive commentary uncovered from his past. WWE will also facilitate meetings for Dylan with community organizations to foster further discussion around the power of social media and the impact of your words.

WWE has come under fire in recent years for their dealings with individuals and organizations who are perceived to have bigoted philosophies. Last week, I criticized the promotion for developing a pattern of turning a blind eye to bigotrygiven its re-signing of Hulk Hogan, dealings with Saudi Arabia and now the Lars Sullivan debacle. WWE’s delayed, yet appropriate, action against Lars Sullivan is an encouraging step in the right direction for a global promotion that will only thrive without racist toxicity rooted within its culture.

Alfred is a contributor to Forbes Sports Money. Follow him on Twitter @ThisIsNasty, Instagram @Akonuwa and LIKE him on Facebook.