Crime | George Zimmerman Zimmerman Called Trayvon 'Term of Endearment': Pal Joe Oliver says he called Martin a goon, not a coon... By Kate Seamons Posted Mar 25, 2012 5:24 PM CDT Copied Zimmerman Called Trayvon 'Term of Endearment': Pal Joe Oliver defends his friend ... or tries to. (ABC News) George Zimmerman's friend went on Good Morning America today to defend him. But Joe Oliver's defense was a little, uhh, odd. After saying that Zimmerman is in hiding and doing "better" but initially "couldn't stop crying," he was asked a question about the racial epithet some say Zimmerman muttered while talking to the 911 operator. Oliver's explanation: Zimmerman didn't call Trayvon Martin a "coon." Oliver continues, "I spoke with my teenage daughter yesterday and the word in question, it's the difference between a C and a G, from what I understand. And 'goon' is apparently a term of endearment in the high schools these days." Furthermore, "I don't know of anyone younger than 40 who uses 'coon' as a racial epithet." Read These Next RIP Corporation for Public Broadcasting, 1967-2025. Want to teach in Oklahoma? Prep for an 'America First' test. Cooling Job Market Opens Door to September C Republicans join pushback over Trump firing. See 1 photo Report an error