The Olmec, Maya, and Aztec built ball courts as part of the design of their city-temple complexes. On these courts, they competed in a game that was not just for sport. It also carried religious and mythological meanings. Players of the game were often captives from neighboring cities. What was the typical outcome of the events described in this passage?

a
The losers of the game were made slaves of the winners.
b
The winners of the game would be elevated in social status.
c
The winners of the game were given gold and precious stones.
d
The losers of the game were ritually sacrificed to the gods.