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 Trump explains the 'big present' from Iran. USPS just added an unprecedented surcharge. Trump's signature is going on currency. Woman hiking in California killed by rattlesnake bite. See 1 photo Report an error