Bills’ Hart suspended after hitting Titans coach

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The NFL on Tuesday suspended Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Bobby Hart for one game after the league said he took a swing at a Titans player following Monday night’s game but instead hit a Tennessee coach.

Per the league’s release announcing the suspension for violating unsportsmanlike conduct rules, Hart’s actions came at the conclusion of the Bills’ 41-7 victory. The NFL did not identify Hart or the Titans player Hart took a swing at, nor Hart’s coach.

In a letter to Hart, NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan wrote, “As both teams were heading to the tunnel, you walked directly across the field to seek out your opponent. As you approached your opponent near the end zone, a coach had to stop you from shaking hands with others.

“Once you and your opponent were in the end zone near the tunnel, you confronted him and immediately swung at him with a closed fist, striking the head of a Tennessee coach. Your aggressive behavior could have caused serious injury, and clearly doesn’t reflect the high standards expected of professional sportsmanship. “

Hart is planning to appeal the suspension, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, which he is entitled to do per the collective bargaining agreement. The hearing will be before Derrick Brooks and James Thrash, who were jointly appointed by the NFLPA and NFL.

Hart, who played in three games for the Titans last season, is a backup offensive lineman for the Bills. In April, he signed a one-year contract with the team. The eighth-year lineman was originally selected by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2015 draft and has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals. He has played in 85 regular-season games and started 67. Hart was selected for the roster in training camp and preseason due to his play and ability to assist at multiple positions.

He played 25% of the team’s offensive snaps vs. the Titans, largely in the fourth quarter once the game was out of reach, including the final kneel-down. He also took seven snaps for special teams.

Hart will be eligible to return to the active roster on Sept. 26 after the Bills’ Week 3 game against the Miami Dolphins.