Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman accused Hofstra University of collusion Wednesday and has has subpoenaed the school president to appear before the county Legislature.

Hofstra has publicly opposed the Las Vegas Sands' bid to bring a casino to Uniondale. The university has even sued over the way the process has been handled.

Blakeman now says there is evidence that Hofstra has been working with Las Vegas Sands' rival, Hard Rock International, to work against the county's plan.

A spokeswoman for Hofstra University said in part, "This subpoena is just another spurious attempt to distract and impede a fair and open process regarding this transfer of Nassau County land."

Full statement:

Hard Rock International also denied allegations, saying "“Hard Rock has not had any communication whatsoever with Hofstra University or its President related to Nassau.  We are committed to integrity, honesty and transparency in the RFA process for a downstate license in New York and will not waver from that position.  We made this clear to all of our vendors and partners and will not tolerate any behavior that would counter that position."

The first public hearing about the proposed resort and casino at the Nassau Hub takes place on Thursday.