Zimmerman Called Trayvon 'Term of Endearment': Pal

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." (More George Zimmerman stories.)